AirAsia will kick-off an East Coast Flood Relief Campaign which comprises free transportation of relief goods and aid workers to Kota Baharu and Terengganu, as well as a fund-raising drive to collect donations for post-flood rehabilitation.

According to its executive chairman, Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, to date, AirAsia had transported food supplies from Umno Information Bureau to Kota Baharu and the airline had also pledged to transport relief items from Mercy Malaysia.

"Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the floods. We pledge to do what we can to help alleviate grief and distress experienced by the victims and pray for their safety and well-being," he said in a statement here today.

He said relief aid agencies requiring air transport support were invited to send their requests to [email protected], where instructions on delivery and cargo requirements would be provided after evaluation.

The airline would also collaborate with Mercy Malaysia to launch a group wide donation drive named AirAsia East Coast Flood Relief Fund to enable the public to contribute to rehabilitation activities, he said.

The campaign would be activated on Dec 31 with the purpose of collecting funds for post-flood clean up and repair of schools and hospitals, he added.

Meanwhile, Bank Rakyat today announced that its customers affected by the recent flooding crisis nationwide would be given moratorium on their financing facility.

Its managing director, Datuk Mustafha Abd Razak said, this includes deferment of installment for up to six months and withholding of all recovery and litigation action for accounts in arrears.

"The flood relief programme comes into effect immediately and we hope it will alleviate the financial burden of clients during this difficult time," he said in a statement today.

He added that the moratorium would be offered on a case-to-case basis upon application by the affected customers which would be informed through Bank Rakyat's website and notices put up at the affected branches.

For further assistance, customers are advised to contact Bank Rakyat's call centre at 1-300-88-12265.