Food Flotilla for Myanmar: 'We can't wait to reach Rakhine' - Volunteers

Nautical Aliya is sailing at a speed of 9 knot per hour with good weather accompanying the vessel in its journey to Chittagong, Bangladesh from Yangon airport.

Throughout the journey, its captain and first officer were busy manoeuvring the vessel and to avoid fishermen’s boats in its course.

Some volunteers were reportedly feeling under the weather due to the change of climate. But their unwavering spirits to help the Rakhine community are admirable.

“I must say that 60 per cent of the volunteers have never been to Arakan or any Rohingya refugees’ camps.

“We feel that it is crucial for us to share the experience in the field to make them understand. Screenings of documentaries of the Rohingya sufferings is one of the activities on the vessel. It is important to ensure that the volunteers understand the challenges that await them,” said Johan Ariff Ismail, Executive Director of MAPIM, who has filmed various documentaries for the organisation.

He explained that the situation on the field was different than what we have imagined as things could go out of control.

Dunia Melayu Isla volunteer, Saiful Azrin Mohamed Salleh, who is a first-timer said that the screenings have prepared him for the humanitarian mission.

“When we watch the documentaries, we know the real situation, and it will prepare us for any untoward incidents,” said Saiful to Astro AWANI.

The video that showcased the atrocities towards the Rohingya refugees in Rakhine have not just touched the volunteers but also raised their spirits.

Some teared while others were shocked, but this mixed emotions did not affect the desires for them to witness the sufferings of the Muslim Rohingyas.

“I can’t wait to get there. If possible we want to everything for them. If God’s willing, I want to treat them and share my experience with Malaysians,” said Food Flotilla for Myanmar medical volunteer, Dr Rihana Rafie.

At a media conference Saturday, head of mission, Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim said that efforts are being made to obtain visa on arrival (VOA) from the Bangladesh government for the 200 volunteers to enter the country.