FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (HONS) TRANSPORTATION LOGISTICS OF HUMANITARIAN MISSION (TPT510) TITLE: INTERVIEW MAPIM MALAYSIA CLASS: BAE6B PREPARED BY : NAME ID STUDENT AZRI AZIM BIN AFZA AINI ZAM 2023388597 MUHAMMAD ZAQWAN BIN MOHD ZAKARIA 2023126171 NIK ADAM BIN NIK IBRAHIM 2023149283 AZIM AZRUL BIN JAMAL 20233996517 MUHAMMAD NAZRIN SHAH BIN KYAIRULL ADZMAN 2023165161 PREPARED FOR: MUHAMMAD IZWAN BIN MOHD BADRILLAH SUBMISSION DATE: 19 JANUARY 2024 INTERVIEW MAPIM MALAYSIA QUESTIONS 1. What is the organization's background to the establishment of MAPIM Malaysia? MAPIM Malaysia, an acronym for Majlis Perundingan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia, was initially established in 2006 to address the pressing need for crowdfunding in support of the Palestinian cause. Following its official registration under the Malaysian Organizations Registration Department (ROS) in 2008, MAPIM's scope expanded to encompass humanitarian assistance for various international crises, including those in Palestine, Syria, Myanmar, and the Rohingya refugee crisis. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, MAPIM shifted its focus to domestic relief efforts, providing aid to communities in need within Malaysia and becoming the largest provider of domestic aid since 2020. Its operations currently encompass a single warehouse spanning one acre and employ a team of 40 individuals, including 19 dedicated to MAPIM's media section. MAPIM's activities encompass a diverse range of sectors, including advocacy for various causes, both domestically and internationally, providing consultancy services to smaller registered NGOs seeking guidance, and addressing humanitarian issues both within and outside Malaysia, with a particular focus on Palestine. Additionally, MAPIM actively engages in dakwah, promoting Islamic values and teachings, as it is registered under the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS). 2. What partnerships does MAPIM MALAYSIA have with other organizations involved in humanitarian work? In Malaysia, MAPIM has collaborated or partners with a lot of government or non-government agencies such as, Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (MAIWP), Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM), Tabung Haji and many more. Through this partnership, they have already made a ton of projects together. For example, MAPIM and MAIWP have created a mobile clinic by using a double decker bus for the use of the locals. The mobile clinic was also stated in The Malaysia Book Of Record for the first mobile clinic that ever existed in Malaysia. MAPIM was also appointed as a consultative council by Angkatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia (APM). In the Ops Ihsan Project, which is the project to give donations to the Palestinians, MAPIM has also collaborated with MyAqsa Defenders, Wisma Putra and other 40 NGOs to make this project possible. MAPIM was appointed to be the host of the project because they had the biggest warehouse among them. Globally, MAPIM has a partnership with the Turkiye Diyanet Vakfi through any aid to give to Turkey or donations across the globe. These are MAPIM official partnerships: 1. Organization of Islamic Cooperation 2. Ministry of Foreign Affairs 3. JAKIM 4. Turkiye Diyanet Vakfi 5. Tabung Haji 6. MAIWP 7. Jabatan Agama Islam Persekutuan (JAWI) 8. Yayasan Pembangunan Ekonomi Islam Malaysia (YaPEIM) 9. Yayasan Taqwa Wilayah Persekutuan 10. Yayasan Felda 11. Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris 12. Finas 13. APM 14. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) 3. What challenges does MAPIM MALAYSIA face in carrying out its humanitarian work? MAPIM Malaysia addresses the challenges of humanitarian aid delivery to refugee camps in the red zone by establishing robust overseas partnerships. To tackle the issue of uncertainty regarding goods arrival and distribution funds, MAPIM collaborates closely with international partners. Through these partnerships, MAPIM establishes a transparent communication channel, ensuring real-time updates on the status of delivered items and the receipt of distribution funds. Moreover, MAPIM takes proactive measures to address concerns about pricing and commitment. By fostering trust and transparency in partnerships, MAPIM works closely with Points of Contact (PIC) to verify that agreed-upon prices are honored. This approach enhances the perception of reliability and accountability in the humanitarian efforts. Recognizing the timing challenges, such as recurrent floods, MAPIM engages NGOs committed to timely aid delivery. By coordinating efforts with these organizations, MAPIM ensures a swift response to emergencies, demonstrating a commitment to overcoming logistical hurdles in the provision of humanitarian assistance. Through strategic partnerships and proactive measures, MAPIM Malaysia effectively navigates challenges, ensuring the efficient and reliable delivery of aid to those in need. 4. How does MAPIM MALAYSIA raise funds for its humanitarian work? MAPIM raises funds for its humanitarian work through various channels: ● Public Donations: MAPIM often relies on donations from the public. Since the early days of MAPIM, which is in 2008, MAPIM has relied on public donations. This can include both individual and corporate donors. They may use campaigns, appeals, and events to raise awareness and encourage donations. ● Fundraising Events: Organizing events such as charity dinners, talks, or exhibitions can be a significant source of funding. These events not only raise money but also increase public awareness about the issues MAPIM is addressing. ● Zakat and Sadaqah Collections: As an Islamic organization, MAPIM may be involved in collecting Zakat (an Islamic form of almsgiving and a religious obligation for all Muslims who meet the necessary criteria) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity). This is a significant source of funding, especially in Muslim-majority countries like Malaysia. ● Grants and Sponsorships: They may receive grants from various bodies, including international organizations, foundations, and governments that support humanitarian work. Corporate sponsorships for specific projects or events are also a potential source of funds. ● Online Campaigns: In the digital age, online fundraising through social media campaigns and crowdfunding platforms has become increasingly important. MAPIM uses platforms such as Facebook, Tiktok, Instagram and their own official website to reach a wider audience. ● Partnerships: Collaborating with other NGOs, both local and international, can lead to joint fundraising initiatives. Such partnerships can also increase the efficiency and reach of humanitarian efforts. 5. How do you ensure the proper storage and handling of humanitarian goods? Mapim Malaysia, a prominent non-governmental organization (NGO) in Malaysia, plays a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid to vulnerable communities both domestically and internationally. Their effectiveness hinges not only on their fundraising and resource mobilization but also on the efficient and ethical management of these resources, particularly in the storage and handling of humanitarian goods. Mapim Malaysia has implemented to ensure the proper storage and handling of humanitarian goods, safeguarding their quality and effectiveness in reaching those in need. Establishing Standardized Warehousing Procedures: Mapim Malaysia operates a network of warehouses across Malaysia and strategic locations abroad. These facilities adhere to strict international standards for humanitarian storage, ensuring optimal conditions for various types of goods. Temperature and humidity control are crucial, especially for perishable items like food and medicine. Proper ventilation and pest control measures prevent damage and contamination. Additionally, Mapim Malaysia implements a well-organized inventory system, tracking the movement of goods from arrival to distribution, minimizing the risk of loss or mismanagement. Prioritizing Quality Control: Mapim Malaysia understands that the quality of humanitarian goods directly impacts the well-being of beneficiaries. They implement stringent quality control measures throughout the procurement and storage process. Goods are inspected upon arrival at warehouses, adhering to international quality standards and ensuring they are fit for purpose. Expired or damaged items are immediately identified and disposed of responsibly, preventing harm and ensuring the effectiveness of the aid provided. Partnering with Logistics Experts: Mapim Malaysia recognizes that expertise is crucial in optimizing storage and handling processes. They collaborate with experienced logistics companies and humanitarian aid organizations to leverage their knowledge and resources. This collaboration allows for the efficient transportation of goods to remote areas, minimizing damage during transit and ensuring timely delivery. Investing in Training and Capacity Building: Mapim Malaysia prioritizes the training of its volunteers and staff involved in storage and handling activities. They conduct regular workshops and training programs on best practices in warehouse management, quality control procedures, and packing techniques. This investment in human capital ensures that goods are handled with care and respect, maximizing their impact on beneficiaries. Transparency and Accountability: Mapim Malaysia is committed to transparency and accountability in all its operations, including the management of humanitarian goods. They maintain detailed records of inventory levels, distribution channels, and beneficiary data. Regular audits are conducted to ensure adherence to established procedures and ethical standards. This transparency fosters trust among donors and beneficiaries, strengthening Mapim Malaysia's credibility as a reliable humanitarian aid provider. In conclusion, Mapim Malaysia's commitment to the proper storage and handling of humanitarian goods sets a high standard for other NGOs in the region. By implementing standardized procedures, prioritizing quality control, partnering with experts, investing in training, and ensuring transparency, Mapim Malaysia ensures that the resources entrusted to them reach those in need effectively, making a tangible difference in their lives. 6. What are your procurement processes for acquiring humanitarian goods? The procurement process for acquiring humanitarian goods involves a strategic and systematic approach to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness. To initiate the process, the agency begins by sorting the goods, identifying the specific needs of the intended beneficiaries. Subsequently, the agency seeks corporate donors to provide financial support. Mapim, an entity specializing in humanitarian procurement, then issues quotations for the required goods based on the identified needs. The strategic element comes into play as the agency actively collaborates with corporates to secure funds for the procurement process. This collaboration ensures that the goods can be purchased in accordance with the quotations provided by Mapim. Syarikat Merah Aba plays a crucial role by contributing specific donations and channeling a portion of the profits towards the humanitarian cause. By involving corporate entities, the procurement process not only secures the necessary funds but also leverages their resources to reduce management costs. This collaborative approach optimizes the utilization of available resources, streamlining the acquisition of humanitarian goods. Ultimately, this well-structured procurement process ensures that the donated funds are utilized efficiently, maximizing the impact of humanitarian efforts. 7. What do you do to make sure humanitarian aid gets to affected areas on time? The representative from MAPIM gives us the example of the yearly flooding issue, in which there are 3 types of aid given. During the flood, MAPIM will provide hot food (hot meals). They were planning to open MAPIM's general kitchen in Terengganu, as there are MAPIM volunteers there, MAPIM gives the necessary funding for volunteers to run the cooking mutual aid. MAPIM simply provides them with all the necessary things to cook. That was the early aid called hot meals which goes into the many PPS (Pusat Pemindahan Sementara) of MAPIM. Then after the flood, MAPIM provides post-flooding assistance in which they go into houses affected by the flood to clean. This happened in Baling, Kedah, and so on. All these activities will be recorded and posted to MAPIM’s YouTube channel, Telegram, Facebook, and even their Instagram page. The purpose of this reporting is to show the public that the money given by them for aid is being used to conduct relief operations. MAPIM wants to provide an understanding to the community that assistance is being done and that their money is going to the right cause. Their last aid is to provide food packs. Interestingly enough the MAPIM food pack box is the labeling found in the box. In the labeling, there is a barcode, which is tied to the use of a self-created database system called I-Ummah. By using a mobile phone, MAPIM scans the barcode. Whenever the goods are delivered, MAPIM will have the data of the recipient, how many households delivered, and also in the barcode it has already been written the goods for the needs of the house, for example, jasmine type rice, 5kg, eg, all the boxes sent have detailed details. Why does MAPIM have to go through such a procedure? Because I-Ummah was created during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. At that time JKM came to see MAPIM to jointly develop the I-Ummah application where MAPIM facilitated JKM (Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat) in the creation of the database because there used to be an issue where a household already got their goods but they claim to not have gotten the items, which in turn made them ask for more from MAPIM. So once the I-Ummah database was created, every time the goods are sent, the data of the recipient and also the time they get the aid can be traced. Therefore when there are parties that claim to have not been sent assistance, MAPIM can refute that claim with the help of the I-Ummah database as it is important to refute claims as well as do reporting. An example of an incident that once occurred was when a person claimed that their rice was damaged upon receiving it, but they used other types of rice to make the claim. MAPIM can refute this claim easily as even the type of rice given is keyed in the I-Ummah database. 8. What are your plans for improving and innovating your logistics practices in the future? Mapim Malaysia, a beacon of humanitarian aid in Malaysia and beyond, has consistently strived to optimize its logistics practices, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of crucial resources to vulnerable communities. Yet, in the ever-evolving landscape of disaster response and development, the imperative for constant improvement and innovative solutions remains paramount. This essay delves into Mapim Malaysia's roadmap for future logistics innovations, exploring initiatives designed to enhance responsiveness, transparency, and sustainability in their aid delivery efforts. Embracing Technological Advancements: Mapim Malaysia recognizes the transformative potential of technology in streamlining logistics. One key focus area is the integration of real-time data analytics and tracking tools. Imagine a centralized platform that monitors the movement of goods throughout the supply chain, from procurement to beneficiary handover. This real-time visibility would optimize transportation routes, minimize delays, and enable agile adjustments based on changing needs on the ground. Additionally, drone technology holds immense promise for reaching remote or disaster-stricken areas where traditional transportation is impassable. Imagine drones delivering essential medical supplies or emergency shelter materials directly to isolated communities, bypassing logistical hurdles and saving precious lives. Mapim Malaysia's commitment to exploring and responsibly implementing such technologies paves the way for faster, more targeted aid delivery. Building Partnerships and Networks: No single entity can navigate the complex demands of humanitarian logistics alone. Mapim Malaysia understands the power of collaboration and actively seeks to build strategic partnerships with other NGOs, government agencies, and private sector players. By pooling resources and expertise, these partnerships can lead to the creation of robust regional response networks, capable of mobilizing resources and responding swiftly to crises across borders. Furthermore, forging partnerships with local communities within target areas can be transformative. Engaging local volunteers and businesses in storage, transportation, and distribution processes not only fosters ownership and accountability but also leverages local knowledge and networks, optimizing the last-mile delivery of aid. Mapim Malaysia's commitment to collaborative ventures promises greater agility, cultural sensitivity, and long-term sustainability in their operations. Prioritizing Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility: In today's environmentally conscious world, humanitarian logistics must integrate responsible practices. Mapim Malaysia is exploring ways to reduce the carbon footprint of their operations. This includes investing in electric or hybrid vehicles for transportation, exploring renewable energy sources for warehouse facilities, and promoting eco-friendly packaging materials. These initiatives minimize environmental impact and align with the organization's values of promoting sustainable development. Furthermore, Mapim Malaysia is actively looking for ways to reduce waste and promote circularity within their logistics system. This could involve repurposing used materials for shelter construction, establishing recycling programs in affected communities, and partnering with waste management companies to responsibly dispose of unwanted items. By prioritizing sustainability, Mapim Malaysia sets an exemplary standard for responsible humanitarian aid delivery, minimizing its environmental footprint and promoting long-term well-being in communities. Fostering a Culture of Innovation and Learning: Innovation thrives in an environment that encourages open dialogue, experimentation, and a willingness to learn from past experiences. Mapim Malaysia recognizes this and cultivates a culture of continuous learning and adaptation within its logistics team. This involves regular training sessions on new technologies and best practices, open forums for sharing ideas and concerns, and post-mission evaluations to identify areas for improvement. Encouraging volunteer participation in this process can generate valuable insights from diverse perspectives. By fostering a culture of innovation and learning, Mapim Malaysia equips its team with the tools and mindset to continuously adapt and improve their logistics strategies, ensuring they remain at the forefront of effective humanitarian aid delivery. Advocating for Improved Global Systems: Mapim Malaysia's commitment to progress extends beyond its own operations. The organization actively participates in international forums and advocacy initiatives aimed at improving global humanitarian logistics systems. This includes advocating for streamlined customs procedures, harmonized data standards, and the development of open-source logistics platforms for wider accessibility. By sharing their expertise and best practices, Mapim Malaysia contributes to building a more efficient and coordinated international aid response system. This advocacy aligns with their core values of humanitarianism and ensures that their innovations benefit not just their own beneficiaries but vulnerable communities worldwide. In conclusion, Mapim Malaysia's vision for the future of humanitarian logistics is one driven by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to responsible practices. By embracing technological advancements, fostering partnerships, prioritizing sustainability, cultivating a culture of learning, and advocating for improved global systems, Mapim Malaysia is charting a path for a brighter tomorrow where humanitarian aid reaches those in need more swiftly, efficiently, and sustainably. Their dedication to continuous improvement serves as a beacon of hope for vulnerable communities across the globe, inspiring others to join the pursuit of a more just and equitable world. 9. How do you identify and prioritize new IoT or digital technologies for adoption in humanitarian logistics? MAPIM is not left behind in developing its systems, as an example we can see the I-Ummah database system that was created in 2020 which served as a point of reference for JKM (Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat), as stated above (Question 7). In 2023, the available systems were further improved with a system made to keep track of the water levels throughout Malaysia called PALANTIR which has been interlinked with the National Water Drainage Department. Users of PALANTIR can find out the current water level of rivers throughout Malaysia. News about any imminent floods will also be available on the system. There are also weather forecasts available at the most recent time. With the interactive map provided, users of PALANTIR can even adjust the elevation from the map as well as the longitude and latitude points. With every new alert, there is a timestamp for when the alert was issued, as well as the water level, water trend, and even the rain level and severity of the rain. These will further serve as good indicators for disasters other than floods as well. PALANTIR was created specifically for flood disasters and services as a point of reference for APM (Malaysia Civil Defence Department). Mapim was also appointed to be in charge of the disaster sector under APM. REFERENCES Hidayat Abdullah Working as Corporate Social Responsibility Manager In MAPIM Malaysia Since Jan 2017-Present almost 6 years 11 months Phone number: 013-796910 PALANTIR website: https://palantir.mapim.dev/ APPENDIX