Myanmar nationals plan to help agencies deliver humanitarian aid
By Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 08 May 2008 2237 hrs

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SINGAPORE : Many agencies planning to send aid to Myanmar have been delayed by visa problems. A group of Myanmar nationals in Singapore believes this is where they can come in.

They are working with some humanitarian organisations to return to their country to help deliver aid, because as Myanmar citizens, they do not need visas.

"For the UN and other NGOs, it's difficult for them to go into some areas because of the floods. There is also a delay in processing visas. As we are Myanmar nationals, we don't need visas, so we can go in fast to distribute the aid," said Panthizar Myo, organiser of Operation Nargis.

Operation Nargis will be working with Singapore volunteers.

For a start, the volunteers plan to attend a six-hour course in emergency relief management, which includes first-aid training. Most are determined not to let their inexperience dampen their enthusiasm.

"I am nervous because people are suffering there. I still don't know what is the actual situation on the ground, but I am prepared to go. Today, I have applied for urgent leave," said Maung Maung Thet, a Myanmar national.

"The government is not letting experienced aid workers get in there. So is there anything we can do? Yes, if we can get in, maybe we can help," said Kyaw Zaw, a Myanmar national.

Not all of the group's members will go back to Myanmar. Most will remain in Singapore to raise funds.

The group hopes to send its first batch of volunteers next week. Two of them have already flown back to Yangon on Thursday to set up base operations.

Operation Nargis is the latest effort by individuals to do something about a crisis that continues to grip the international consciousness.

Some companies are also chipping in. For example, YOMA Strategic Holdings has set up a S$100,000 fund to help the affected families of its staff in Myanmar. Over the next few weeks, it also plans to make a public appeal for donations to help the cyclone victims. - CNA /ls