The Yayasan Bina Upaya Darul Ridzuan (YBU) sponsored Pangkor Explorace 2013 held on the island recently was a huge success judging from the public’s response. The foundation’s objectives were two-fold, to extend its volunteer base and to increase its networking. Both were achieved within the stipulated time – two days.
Jodh Singh, organiser of the race and manager of YBU’s Volunteer and International Unit, remarked that his unit, through programmes such as the one held in Pangkor, had managed to produce responsible volunteers out of youths.
“I wish to echo the sentiments of Perak Menteri Besar, Dato’ Seri DiRaja Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, who insisted that volunteers need to act and behave professionally in order to earn people’s trust and respect,” said Jodh. “The other factors are empathy and concern for the people they serve. They can’t be good volunteers if they don’t have these qualities,” Jodh added. He too felt that the volunteers could help foster good relationship between the people and the foundation.
Some 60 participants representing 20 teams took part in the two-day race. They were required to do community works involving the cleaning of compounds ala gotong royong, community cooking and running errands for villagers. The activities were aimed at bonding the volunteers and the villagers in the spirit of oneness.
The foundation enlisted the help of associations and societies from Manjung District. They were Belia 4B Manjung, Manjung Amateur Radio Club, 1Love Manjung Community and some government agencies.
Lumut’s Kumpulan Lemang Sebatang won first place and took home RM1000 as prize money. Runners-up were Seladan Mantap made up of YBU volunteers and Lumut’s Kumpulan Duyung. They won RM700 and RM500, respectively.
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