PENANG, 1 January 2015 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Chancellor HRH Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail expressed his heartfelt appreciation and thanks to all those involved in the management of flood victims especially in flood-stricken Kelantan.

HRH Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin also paid special tribute to the specialist doctors, medical officers, nurses and paramedics who have been working overtime and practically nonstop since the floods began to treat the additional patients at the Hospital USM, especially those transferred from other hospitals throughout Kelantan.

Speaking via phone to the Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman, HRH also conveyed his best wishes to all and is very pleased with the sacrifices and dedication of all those involved in aiding the flood victims especially when Hospital USM became the only hospital fully functional in Kelantan, and the centre of reference and services to those affected by the floods.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, HRH was very concerned about the flood situation and has contacted him twice to ask how everyone was coping with the situation, as well as to extend his sincerest gratitude and appreciation to the volunteer workers, staff, medical personnel and all those involved in managing the relief and rescue operations all this while.

"HRH Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin also urged that these efforts be continued and everyone should continue to work hard with full commitment and determination, giving their best service to the community and country, and may these good deeds be accepted and rewarded by Allah the Almighty," said Omar.

This morning, a group of volunteers mainly from among the USM main campus staff, left for Kelantan bringing a variety of essential goods including clothing, food, consumables, medications and other items donated by various parties and the staff and students for the flood victims in Kelantan.

It was reported that the floods ravaging several states in the peninsula since more than a week ago have forced the evacuation of more than 200,000 people. - Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe/Text: Mohamad bin Abdullah