Major telecommunication providers are working together to provide a convenient way for Malaysians to help the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

Communications and Multimedia Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the service, which allows donations through SMS, would be launched soon as a joint effort with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) was formalised.

“Many of us want to help, but do not know how and now there is a simple way to do so.

“I urge Malaysians to take advantage of this service to offer assistance and send relief to the people of the Philippines who are affected by this terrible tragedy,” he said in a statement to Bernama today.

Ahmad Shabery is in Bangkok for the International Telecomunications Union Meeting (ITU TELECOM WORLD) from Nov 17 to 20.

Earlier this week, the Communication and Multimedia Ministry and Pos Malaysia had launched the Typhoon Haiyan Humanitarian Aid Stamp, which is being sold at RM10 each with RM6 channeled to efforts to help the victims.

Ahmad Shabery said, he had conveyed his condolences and revealed the setting up of these fundraising platforms to Louis Napoleon Casambre, the Undersecretary of the Department of Science and Technology of the Philippines, when they met at the 13th ASEAN Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministers
Meeting (TELMIN) in Singapore.

He said Casambre told him that they were touched and heartened by this effort by the Government and people of Malaysia and it proved yet again the close and strong bond that the two countries enjoy.

“This also demonstrates the good use of ICT in pulling people together for humanitarian and honourable efforts,” he said.

Shabery said if Malaysians could SMS to vote for their favourite contestant in a reality show, "I’m sure Malaysians could SMS to contribute a small amount for this cause."

The super typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines last week affecting an estimated nine million people, including 1.5 million displaced by the strongest typhoon to ravage the country in decades.

The official death toll climbed to more than 3,600 on Friday.