Funnyman Afdlin on a humanitarian mission in Bangladesh
NO stranger to humanitarian missions, actor, comedian and producer Datuk Afdlin Shauki, who distributed food and clothing to Palestinians in Gaza four years ago, is doing the same for Rohingya refugees in camps at Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh.
The star of Baik Punya Cilok, Papadom and Cuci will be at the town near the border between Bangladesh and Myanmar until Friday.
Afdlin’s humanitarian mission, which began last Sunday, is jointly organised by his foundation, Yayasan Afdlin Shauki, and Yayasan Kubra, and supported by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (Mapim).
“Our mission — Misi Bantuan Pelarian Rohingya— marks my first visit to Bangladesh.
“It is a response to the dire situation facing Rohingya refugees at the border town of Cox’s Bazar and the nearby towns of Tutupalong and Balokali.
“There are hundreds of Rohingya fleeing Myanmar for Bangladesh, and the children are dying of starvation and disease,” said the 46-year-old on Instagram on Sunday.
He is happy to follow in the footsteps of Western singers and actors, but insists he is doing so “purely out of love for humanity”.
“I’m doing this in the name of God and humanity because it connects me to the world and makes me a responsible citizen of this planet.
“It is wonderful if more of us could promote peace and philanthropy regardless of religion, race or nation,” he told the New Straits Times yesterday.
Elaborating on his work at the refugee camps, Afdlin said his team was assisting in buying essentials for the refugees.
“We are contributing medical supplies for them.
“Next month, we will return with a bigger force and more funds to help more people.
“What moves me is the refugees have literally nothing and worse, they have an uncertain future.
“We implore Malaysians to open their hearts to help them,” said Afdlin, who previously visited Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.
Afdlin hoped that his visit to Bangladesh, and the videos and photographs of his activities which he posted on social media, would inspire more Malaysians to reach out to refugees around the world.
Afdlin, whose team comprises 20 members, is appealing to the public to donate to the mission.
“We welcome donations and have designated two bank accounts for the purpose.”
The two accounts are that of the Yayasan Kubra Education and Welfare Fund (Bank Islam account number 14023010012816) and Yayasan Afdlin Shauki (Maybank account number 564810516713).
Yayasan Afdlin Shauki was formed last year, and has participated in humanitarian missions in Palestine and Syria. BY DENNIS CHUA