KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 22 — Being in the music industry for 11 years has changed singer-songwriter Faizal Tahir’s outlook on life.
Apart from entertaining the masses, Faizal realised his gifts could be used to help others.
Faizal had previously visited places like Jordan, Egypt and Acheh to spread joy and help those in need.
On March 5, the multiple award-winning singer will head to Bangladesh to give aid and provide relief for the Rohingyas, widely seen as the world’s most persecuted minority.
“I am not here to solicit donations. My wish is to create awareness for others to follow in my footsteps,” he said when met at a press conference here.
“We live in a country that is peaceful and we don’t suffer as much like some do. We need to use whatever we have to help those in need.
“It’s about time we use music to entertain those who have nothing. What I try to do is to improve myself on a daily basis by doing something good for others,” he added.
“We have worked with countless NGOs from different countries to try and help those in need.”
This time, Faizal’s iamFaithmen charity organisation will partner with Hand4Hand Brunei to distribute food packages to the refugees.
Hand4Hand representative Bahzi Damit said his organisation has been doing charity works for the past few years in places like Cambodia and Bangladesh.
“We went to Bangladesh last year and managed to collect US$15,000 (RM58,800) among friends and family,” he said.
“When we returned to Brunei, we published a video of our trip and raised more money.”
“We approached iamFaithmen to see if it was interested to join our next trip to help more people there.
“To be honest, there’s not enough money in the world to help them. We are only doing what we can,” Bahzi said.
As of January 27, the Bangladeshi Immigration and Passports Department has registered 1.04 million people through biometric registration including 688,000 new arrivals.
Bahzi revealed 1,000 families at the refugee camp in Cox’s Bazaar in Bangladesh will receive food packages.
The packages include rice, salt, potatoes, cooking oil and various other necessities.
Bahzi said the distribution will be handled by the Bangladeshi army and selected families will receive a coupon to claim their packages.
Apart from the basic aid, Faizal would also be singing for the refugees to provide a little relief from the hardships they are going through.
“All the preparations have been made,” Faizal added. “The only thing we need to do is to prepare ourselves mentally.”
