However, two people have stepped up to offer a different kind of help.
Mastinah Mohd Sani is offering free cleaning services for cars and T Pukalenthi is offering free desktop and laptop checks after so many were submerged.
Mastinah, owner of Azam Motor workshop, said workers at her Banting branch would clean the exterior and interior of cars owned by members of the B40 community.
She told FMT she started offering the service on Monday when she felt she had to help those really in need after seeing the aftermath of the floods.
“They have to worry about fixing or rebuilding their homes and I offered this so they can have their cars to go back to work as soon as possible,” she said. “I want to let them know that there are people who care about them.”
She said she and her team had cleaned up 20 cars so far and had lined up 100 more appointments.
“Many cars are still stuck in the floods but they made appointments ahead of time as they don’t know where else to go.”
Other than the free clean-up, the workshop is charging only RM70 for an engine oil change.
The workshop can take four cars a day and by appointment only.
Pukalenthi is offering free checks on submerged laptops and desktops at his Giat Solutions shop in Puchong.
He told FMT he had received more than 60 calls and enquiries since he told a friend about the offer through WhatsApp.
“I was shocked by the overwhelming response. The people who have called are usually office staff, university lecturers, students, companies, universities and even clinics. I have received calls from five clinics so far.”
Pukalenthi said he felt the free service was the best contribution he could make.
“This is my area of expertise as I’ve been in the industry for 25 years. I saw the need for students, teachers and office workers to get their laptops and desktops working again.”
He said his company used special equipment to dry the computer parts before switching them on again.
“So far, we have got 20 units up and running again,” he said.
He said he would charge affordable fees for further repairs. “I may charge just for the replacement parts but not the service. I’m not doing this for the money. I’m doing this so people can return to their normal lives.”
He advised those whose laptops and desktops have been submerged to refrain from switching them on, plugging them in or drying them off themselves to prevent damage.
“I’m hoping to rope in friends who are in the same industry to join me so more people can be helped,” he said, adding that the initiative was a nice way to celebrate his business’ 25th anniversary.