On March 11, 2011, one of the most severe earthquakes in history and massive tsunamis struck north-eastern Japan leaving more than 9,000 dead and over 12,000 people missing. On March 26, 2011, Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) donated RM1,050,000 in aid of the Japan earthquake and tsunami victims.

The donation was collected from SGM members nationwide in a campaign held from March 16 to 22, 2011. At the same time, special daimoku sessions were also held at over 70 culture and community centres nationwide in memorial of the sacrificed lives and to pray for the victim’s safety and speedy return to normalcy of the affected area.

On hand to receive the cheque was Yang Mulia Tunku Tan Sri Dato’ Shariman b Tunku Sulaiman of the National Chairman of Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS). The funds will be transferred to the Japan Red Cross (JRC) in supporting the JRC’s provision of medical care, relief, food, post rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts to the victims, giving them a more tolerable time while they tide over the disaster.

Also present to witness the cheque presentation held at the Soka Exhibition Hall, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM were Mr Koichi Ito, Minister of the Japan Embassy in Malaysia, Mr Kiyonori Yamakawa, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in Malaysia, Yang Berusaha Mr Hisham Harun Hashim, Deputy National Chairman MRCS and Yang Bahagia Datuk Noordin b Abd Razak, National Vice Chairman MRCS and Secretary General and Tan Sri Dato Dr Lau Ban Tin, former Chairman of Malaysian Red Crescent Society Klang Chapter. SGM was represented by General Director, Deputy President and SGM members.

Taiping, Perak

In his speech, Tan Sri Shariman expressed his heartfelt gratitude to SGM for supporting their efforts in providing humanitarian assistance to hundreds of thousands of survivors who are housed in evacuation centres in Japan. He informed that further support and supplies will be offered when they are relocated to prefabricated housing in future.

Following that, Mr Koichi Ito thanked SGM, MRC and the people of Malaysia in extending their support to the victims. He also believed that, with the strong encouragement and support of the people of Malaysia and the world, the people of Japan will rise up to overcome this disaster in spite of the dire situation.

Melaka	Sarawak
Kedah	Selangor