In a tweet posted on December 21, 2021, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that his company would be contributing to relief efforts in the Philippines and Malaysia, which have been battered by a typhoon and flash floods.
While it isn't clear what this contribution consists of, people from both the Southeast Asian nations have asked the CEO to divert all help to NGOs, not their respective governments.
This has struck a chord with social media users, bringing to light the intense dissatisfaction and anger at what many believe to be government corruption and severe negligence.
Much-needed help.
Typhoon Rai has caused so much devastation in the Philippines and Malaysia — so many families have lost so much. Apple will be contributing to relief, recovery, and longer-term rebuilding efforts. #OdettePH — Tim Cook (@tim_cook) December 21, 2021
"Typhoon Rai has caused so much devastation in the Philippines and Malaysia – so many families have lost so much," his tweet says. Apple will be contributing to relief, recovery, and longer-term rebuilding efforts. #OdettePH"
As simple and succinct as his tweet is, the outpouring of gratitude from Filipinos and Malaysians in the comments is immense.
As mentioned earlier, however, the majority of these people replying to the tweet are also encouraging Cook to send all help to NGOs that have their feet on the ground and dutiful lawmakers, as opposed to government officials who may or may not be trusted with monetary funds.
Like these Twitter users, who pleaded with Cook to assist the Office of the Vice President in the Philippines:
IMAGE: Twitter
IMAGE: Twitter
IMAGE: Twitter
Or these Malaysian Twitter users, who asked Cook to send any and all donations to NGOs:
'Mael' is short for Ismail – in this case, Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri. IMAGE: Twitter
IMAGE: Twitter
Even MERCY Malaysia, an NGO, reached out to Cook:
IMAGE: Twitter
And of course, Filipino former professional boxer, Senator Manny Pacquiao offered his own words of gratitude:
IMAGE: Twitter
One Twitter user even shared a useful infographic, showing the details of relevant NGOs in both the Philippines and Malaysia:
IMAGE: Twitter
For now, all we can do is hope that Cook heeds the words of the people.
Read more life stories:
14 initiatives you can support to help flood victims in Malaysia
Endangered Malayan tapirs spotted roaming around in murky floodwaters
How to drive your car through a flood? Here are 7 helpful tips.
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Cover image sourced from Bernama / The Straits Times, Reuters / NBC, and The Associated Press / The Times Of Israel.
