In response to movement control order extension, Malaysians have flooded social media with the #benderaputih movement – calling those in need of food or essentials to raise a white flag outside their homes. Those who wish to receive assistance can raise a white flag, indicating to those living around the area that the household is in need of assistance.
Recently, a group of local students have joined forces in developing an app that lets users track the locations of households with a white flag and also the nearest food banks. The app called Bendera Putih app (now called Sambal SOS) was created by four web developer students Sidharrth Nagappan, Cornelius Pang, and Shaun Mak aged between 18 and 21.
Users can use Sambal SOS to spot the locations of the households that need help and also food banks
The aim of Sambal SOS is to connect the people in the movement. The app helps to streamline the process of connecting those in need to those who can help – which was formerly done via social media, WhatsApp and phone calls.
The app utilises GPS to let the users who are willing to donate spot the locations of the households that need help and also let the ones who need help spot the locations of food banks in their areas. The app allows people in need to get help faster.
According to an interview with Says, the app was built in three days. Hence, the team behind the app is currently trying to fix any bugs before adding more features and recruiting volunteers to work on the project together.
The app is easy to access
The app is easy to access – all you need to have is a web browser and a Google account for authentication purposes. Once logged in, it will show a virtual map of Malaysia powered by Google pinned with “red sirens” and food bank icons.
Once you clicked on the red siren icon, it will show brief information about the individual that needs help. The “go to this location” icon will directly move you to Google Maps.
More than 50 food banks available on the app
Currently, the locations for the icons are condensed in the Klang Valley area but it is believed to spread to more regions in the near future. The team behind Sambal SOS mentioned that they will add new features to assist the movement well.
Based on our findings, there are currently more than 50 food banks on the app complete with names, addresses and websites. Some of the food banks are Food Aid Foundation Malaysia, Pertiwi Soup Kitchen, Kecharea Soup Kitchen, Dapur Jalanan, Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia and others.
If users spotted any houses with a white flag or know any food banks, they can also upload a picture onto the app for others to identify. The team behind the app encourage users to take photos of a household flying a white flag without revealing the faces of the family members, number plates, or any information that invades their privacy. They will vet through all submitted photos before releasing the information on the crowdsourced map for privacy purposes.
For those who are interested to join the movement, you may click here to access the app.
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