Typhoon Haiyan: MCMC and telcos set up fund, donate via SMS

• First such collaboration between industry regulator and telcos
• Typhoon has claimed 5,000 lives; 1.5 million left homeless

THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and telecommunications companies in the country have set up a Communications and Multimedia Humanitarian Fund to help victims of the recent typhoon that swept across the Philippines.
 
Those who wish to contribute can now do so via SMS 13999. The fund – going by its Malay acronym TKKM (Tabung Kemanusiaan Komunikasi dan Multimedia) – is the first-ever such collaboration between MCMC and local telcos, the industry regulator said in a statement.
 
Those wishing to donate can do so by typing M4P <space> 1/3/5/10 for donations of RM1, RM3, RM5 or RM10 respectively, and send it to 13999 using their mobile phone.
 
All the donations will go entirely to the fund without further deduction of the amount donated, the MCMC said. Contributions can be made from now until Dec 31, 2013.
 
SMS 13999 TKKM was launched by Communications and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek, who said the activation of SMS 13999 and the Humanitarian Fund, the involvement and commitment of all telcos to participate in this noble initiative, was significant because it was the first time a fundraising campaign was undertaken collectively by the industry players.
 
Typhoon Haiyan that swept across the Philippines last month was estimated to have claimed more than 5,000 lives, while 1.5 million people were left homeless.
 
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