When helping flood victims, don’t take selfies

A picture of the flood in Temerloh, Pahang. Social media users recently criticised volunteers and relief workers for posting selfies while helping in the east coast and other states. – The Malaysian Insider pic, January 6, 2015.Some volunteers and aid workers have come under fire for posting selfies of themselves with the devastation in the east coast and other states on their social networking sites, prompting critics to question their sincerity in helping the victims.Popular host Azwan Ali was criticised after posting a video and several pictures of himself with the floods in Kuala Kangsar, Perak recently.In the 15-second video, Azwan, who is the younger brother of Selangor Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali, said that he finally got to experience floods."We have not experienced floods in Kuala Lumpur," he said.This drew criticism from Malaysians who hit out at him for using the situation to gain popularity for himself."Ini cara adik Menteri Besar Selangor, Azwan Ali memberi bantuan kepada mangsa banjir," said Khairul Rizal Osman on Twitter, posting several pictures of Azwan posing in flood waters. (This is how the Selangor Menteri Besar's brother, Azwan Ali, is helping flood victims).Actor and entrepreneur Fizo Omar also came under fire for posting a selfie on Instagram while on his way to provide aid to flood victims in Kuala Krai, Kelantan.Several of his followers responded with angry comments, questioning his sincerity in helping the flood victims."Ni nak tolong ko nak tunjuk ni. Kalu nak tolong tak perlu nak ambil gambar mcm ni. Malu org Kelate jah," said Instagram user syed_elliott. (You want to help but you show this instead. If you want to help, you don't have to show such pictures. You are embarrassing the people of Kelantan).But, Fizo later responded to criticism, saying that he merely wanted to show the real flood situation in Kelantan to his followers and not to glorify himself.Meanwhile, The Star reported today that tourists and sightseers who have been making their way to Kelantan to see the catastrophe and the devastation for themselves are hampering relief and aid efforts for victims.Volunteers who have been bringing aid to the victims of the floods have lamented that their jobs have been obstructed by the "disaster tourists" whom, they say, choke up the roads with their vehicles.These people, the report said, include curious sightseers who also post pictures of themselves with the devastation of the floods on their social networking pages like Facebook and Instagram.Yan, a military officer complained to The Star that the roads in Manek Urai – one of the worst-hit areas – were congested with tourists when priority should be given to vehicles bringing in aid.“To bring 20 to 30 cars for a visit to the area only worsens the situation," he was quoted as saying.“The roads are already congested with victims’ cars as most are covered in mud and debris. These tourists shouldn’t be driving into the rural areas nor be there at all."Volunteer doctor Beh Xi Chin told the English daily that he and his team were stranded on a bridge for almost three hours due to the traffic congestion.“People here have lost everything.“There are some who are doing everything they can to help these people, while there are others who are taking advantage of the situation," he was reported as saying, adding that he hoped authorities would control the unwanted traffic.A group of volunteers from a charity in Malacca told The Star they were "shocked with the mentality of some people"."Villagers from other areas came to the affected areas to take away supplies that were meant for the victims," they said.Eighth Army Brigade commander Jen Datuk Azmi Yahya agreed that the huge number of tourists were adding to the traffic woes in the flood-hit areas while Malaysian Red Crescent Society national disaster management committee member James Kon urged those not involved in relief and aid efforts to stay away.“Our work continues, but the process is being slowed because of this," Azmi was quoted as saying, while Kon added, "They should stay away for now. Some of the roads are not safe as well." – January 6, 2015.