After the announcement of yet another stimulus package by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Malaysians all around the country appear to have reached their breaking points amid the government’s poor handling of the pandemic. Netizens had started a 'white flag' movement, or the #benderaputih movement with the purpose of helping those in need. 

The movement calls for those in need of food or essentials to raise a white flag outside their homes. By doing so, it indicates the household needs assistance, allowing neighbours to render necessary aid to them.

"To those who are struggling and have no food, raise the white flag at your homes. Let the people around you help as much as they can. No need to plead, no need to be embarrassed. Just fly the flag," wrote Twitter user @HafizolHakami at 9.08pm yesterday.

Klang MP Charles Santiago had also reposted an article by Malaysiakini regarding the said movement. 

"For those in Parliament Klang, please call the following number for urgent food support: 013 331 1241. Our office will get the necessary support to you. Our food bank has been providing dry food including vegetables and fish since MCO 1.0," he stated.

Social media users have described the 'rakyat self-initiative' #benderaputih movement as a brilliant initiative to assist those in need, without having them plead and get embarrassed to ask for help.

They also wrote words of support and expressed their willingness to extend help to the needy.

Others called the white flag movement initiative “heart-warming” and timely since the COVID-19 situation was taking a toll on the people’s morale.  

Reference Links -
[1] New Straits Times
[2] Coconuts.co 
[3] Charles Santiago