On Christmas eve, the company staff had started visiting affected areas and volunteering to help with the cleaning process of homes that have been flooded.
This initiative was also supported by the Raja Muda of Selangor Foundation in providing guidance and support on the mechanics to ensure smooth process in handling this situation.
The company said it was heartwarming to see Malaysians united to overcome the effects of the flood.
One of the flood victim in Padang Jawa, Rosli bin Hassan, 62, echoed this sentiment by saying he was extremely grateful for this timely assistance in easing the victims' burden as well as helping them to regain a sense of normalcy.
The company said that its volunteers will continue this assistance for as long as it is needed, where and when possible.
To ramp up its aid relief efforts for the future, the company has also decided to enable its Toyota headquarters in Shah Alam to be converted into a flood ‘Command Centre’ which will function as a soup kitchen and relief distribution centre for victims in the event of a similar phenomenon in the future.
UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K said the company stands in solidarity with the community.
“Malaysians have been going through an extremely challenging period due to the flood and we want to do what we can to provide some relief.
“We express our sincerest sympathies to all the victims and families affected and we hope that our initiatives will be of some help,” said
“We were also inspired and moved by the compassion of the many Malaysians who have volunteered to help out their fellow countrymen, including our group of staff volunteers.
“We realised that response and relief efforts were slow to take place. Hence, we decided that even for future, we will immediately convert our Shah Alam facility into a flood ‘Command Centre’ to provide kind-hearted Malaysians a safe place to deliver and sort out the relief items before distributing to the surrounding temporary evacuation centres,” he said.
Giving an added peace of mind to flood victims, vehicle owners are welcomed to park their vehicles in the premise regardless of makes and models.
Parking is available for the first 100 vehicles and a signed indemnity is required.
Post-clean up, UMW Toyota Motor had also distributed basic household necessities including stoves, fans and kettles to affected households in hopes to alleviate some of their burden.
“We would like to take this opportunity to convey our heartfelt gratitude towards our suppliers namely Toyota Suppliers Club Malaysia, Denso Malaysia, Toyota Tsusho and Sime Kansai for stepping up and also providing financial support to our efforts.
“This contribution were used to buy household appliances and other necessities to be given as aid to the flood victims,” Ravindran added.
In addition to giving aid to the local communities, UMW Toyota Motor is also providing assistance to its own workforce affected by the flood. These include repairs for personal vehicles registered under staff names, financial aid as well as distribution of basic household necessities.
