SIBU (Jan 26): The Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Sibu Branch will distribute the collected second-hand clothing to the needy in rural areas as an effort to alleviate their burden.

The branch chairman Penghulu Chua Hiong Kee said that the clothes, which have been sorted and categorised by type and size, are currently stored in the association’s warehouse.

However, he said, rather than just being stored in a warehouse, it would be more appropriate if the clothes were distributed to those who truly need them.

“We don’t want to just store these clothes. The main purpose of donors is to help those in need.

“Therefore, we will collaborate with several parties to donate these second-hand clothes to rural residents,” he told reporters yesterday.

Chua explained that MRCS Sibu once tried to sell second-hand clothes but the response received was not encouraging, leading the association to decide to discontinue the activity.

Instead, MRCS Sibu now plans to distribute the clothes directly to those who really need them.

“Residents in urban or suburban areas might not need these second-hand clothes, so we think it would be better if these clothes are donated to those who need them more in the remote areas,” he said.

He added that MRCS Sibu will not be donating all the clothes received.

Some of the clothing will be reserved for emergency situations, especially disaster relief, he explained.

Additionally, Chua also reminded the public not to donate clothes that are too old or damaged.