KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 28, 2014:

Volunteer teams and people who are helping victims in the flood-stricken states are advised to lend an ear to the victims’ plight.

Psychology Management Department deputy director Dr Abdul Jalil Hassan said the stress experienced by the victims was high, especially after witnessing their homes and possessions destroyed by the floods.

He said volunteers could arrange a session with the victims at the flood-relief centres as a way for them to express pent up feelings.

“Right now is not the time to give advice or ask them to relax because that will eventually happen, but it will take some time.

“Apart from that, efforts like conducting prayers and religious recitals are also good because at least it can lessen the emotional stress through spiritual programmes that were seen being done very little of,” he told The Rakyat Post when contacted.

Abdul Jalil added that the government and the media should disseminate enough information on relief and aid missions and rescue work conducted to avoid any misunderstanding.

He explained that many victims’ complaints had spread on social media before this, hence it should be done appropriately to avoid any negative impressions that victims might have.

“The government and local authorities are not intentionally ignoring their safety, but perhaps weather and logistic conditions are causing delays in saving the victims.

“This could decrease the stress and trauma faced by them, especially after days of suffering from starvation or cold from not being saved,” he said.