by Allan Dumbong
AUCKLAND: Oct 25, 2026 – The spirit of concern among Malaysians abroad was evident when the Sabah Auckland New Zealand Association (SAANZI) successfully raised NZD8,000, equivalent to about RM20,000, to help flood victims in Nepal.
A charity afternoon tea event themed “Together in Compassion, Stronger Together” on 24 October was attended by about 200 guests. The event saw the participation of the Sabah and Malaysian communities in Auckland, community leaders from India, Japan, the Philippines, Turkey, Singapore and Sri Lanka, local New Zealanders, as well as other international communities.
The symbolic gesture of compassion was expressed through the presentation of a replica cheque by SAANZI President Devy Delecia to Dinesh Khadha (JP), former Honorary Consul of Nepal. In his speech of appreciation, Khadha emphasised the severe impact of the disaster, which claimed thousands of lives, while many more are still missing or their whereabouts unknown.
“The disaster also caused many residents to lose their homes. More than 50 Malaysians are still reported missing and efforts to repair and rebuild affected areas are expected to require billions of ringgit,” he said.
SAANZI Secretary Jude Isidore described the success of the event as the result of teamwork among Malaysians in New Zealand, strongly supported by the local community.
“Such excellent teamwork among Malaysians in New Zealand made this ‘Nepal Flood Victims’ charity campaign a success,” he said.
He also expressed his deep appreciation for the support of the New Zealand community, who contributed donations, volunteer work and various other forms of assistance.
“No words can describe how kind and generous they are in extending help to our brothers and sisters in Nepal,” he said.
The charity event was further enlivened by Malaysian cuisine, including cakes and noodles sold by SAANZI members, cultural dance performances and music that showcased the richness of Malaysia’s cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, Jessica Phuang, a retired senior police officer and Malaysian citizen who previously served with the New Zealand Police, praised SAANZI’s noble commitment to humanitarian work under Devy’s leadership, which she described as authoritative and solid.
Phuang had previously encouraged SAANZI to be more actively involved in the New Zealand community while introducing Malaysian food and culture to the local community.
The success of the programme proved that cultural exchange and community cooperation can unite a multi-ethnic society in making a humanitarian mission a success. Through the NZD8,000 raised, SAANZI and its supporters delivered a message of hope and solidarity to flood victims in Nepal.
SAANZI members
