She said the first 14-member relief team, comprising aid workers, counsellors, and medical volunteers had flown to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province and arrived on Wednesday.

They went to Mu Yu, a remote village about 300km northeast of the capital city.

Medical supplies worth RM30,000 sponsored by Fo Guang in Taiwan were also sent and they planned to send another batch worth RM500,000 as soon as possible, she said.

“They managed to reach the village yesterday after the road to it was cleared. It was previously impassable and they are the first relief team to help the villagers there since the quake hit on Monday,” she said Sunday at the Sin Chew headquarters.

“It is a very small village but it has been completely flattened. All the buildings there are damaged, and about 6,000 refugees are staying in tents.”

Fo Guang Shan Malaysia abbess Rev Jue Cheng, who was also present, said the medical supplies needed included antibiotics, medications for fever, diarrhoea, inflammation, painkillers, plasters, bandages and sleeping pills.

For more information, or to volunteer, contact Lee Chin at 03-79658560 or email leechin@sinchew.com.my.