Third Quarter Summary 2026

July – September 2023

During the third quarter of 2026, CREST continued strengthening its humanitarian partnerships, advancing community-based disaster preparedness, and responding to the needs of communities affected by natural disasters. From international knowledge-sharing engagements to ongoing flood mitigation efforts in Kelantan and an earthquake response mission in Indonesia, CREST remained committed to building resilience through collaboration and sustainable solutions.

1. International Collaboration for Disaster Preparedness and Community Resilience

In July, representatives from the Partners in Resilience and Response Initiative of the Anglican Alliance, together with CREST, met with the Catholic Archdiocesan Office for Human Development (AOHD) in Kuala Lumpur. The delegation included participants from Kenya, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Bangladesh.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for humanitarian practitioners to exchange experiences, share best practices, and learn from one another's approaches to disaster preparedness, emergency response, and community recovery.

The engagement reinforced the importance of collaboration across organisations and countries in addressing humanitarian challenges.

CREST recognised that meaningful contributions to community resilience were not measured solely by the resources available, but also by the willingness of organisations and individuals to work together in serving vulnerable communities.

2. Continued Flood Risk Reduction Efforts in Kelantan

CREST continued its flood preparedness initiatives in Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, working alongside Caritas Penang, local partner KDRN, and community volunteers to construct additional flood rafts for vulnerable households. Between 10 and 12 July, teams worked together with local villagers to assemble ten additional 12 × 12-foot rafts across four villages: • Kampung Lubok Gong – 5 rafts • Kampung Gual Sitok – 3 rafts • Kampung Banggol Ubi Keling – 1 raft • Kampung Batu Karang – 1 raft These community-built rafts provided families with a practical means of keeping essential electrical appliances above rising floodwaters, helping to minimise property losses and reduce the burden of recovery after floods. Beyond the construction itself, the initiative encouraged community participation and ownership in disaster preparedness. The collaboration demonstrated how practical solutions, supported by local knowledge and partnerships, could strengthen resilience in communities repeatedly affected by seasonal flooding. CREST extended its appreciation to Caritas Penang, KDRN, volunteers, and the participating villagers for their continued commitment to this initiative.

3. Humanitarian Logistics and Emergency Preparedness

Preparedness In July, CREST attended a two-day workshop and exhibition at the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) Malaysia in Subang. The depot was part of a global network of seven facilities operated by the World Food Programme (WFP), providing strategic storage and coordinated delivery of emergency relief supplies to disaster-affected communities. The programme showcased warehousing facilities, logistical services, and procurement processes involved in mobilising humanitarian supplies during emergencies.

It also provided opportunities for participants to explore innovations and establish partnerships aimed at improving the efficiency of disaster response operations. The engagement offered valuable insights into humanitarian logistics and the importance of having reliable supply chains and resources ready for rapid deployment when disasters occurred.

4. Flores Earthquake Response and Community Recovery, Indonesia

In August, CREST Malaysia, together with the Archdiocesan Office for Human Development (AOHD) Kuala Lumpur, undertook a humanitarian mission to Flores, Indonesia, following a recent earthquake. Working alongside local partners, the team visited communities in Manggarai Tengah, particularly in the highland areas outside Cancar. In collaboration with local doctors, staff from St Rafael Hospital, and AOHD, CREST engaged with affected communities to better understand their needs and identify areas where humanitarian assistance could make a meaningful difference. Beyond the visible damage caused by the earthquake, the mission highlighted longstanding challenges faced by these communities, including poverty, limited access to healthcare, and inadequate clean water and sanitation facilities. The assessment also reinforced the importance of looking beyond immediate relief. Some of the needs identified called for practical and sustainable interventions, including access to spectacles for the visually impaired and elderly, appropriate farming aids to reduce physical strain among farmers, and improved nutrition to support children's health and immunity. While mobile clinics provided valuable immediate assistance, CREST recognised that humanitarian organisations also needed to consider longer-term solutions that addressed underlying vulnerabilities. The mission reinforced CREST's belief that emergency response should provide opportunities to introduce durable improvements to community well-being, rather than focusing solely on short-term relief. Throughout the mission, the resilience of the local people and the dedication of local healthcare workers and partners remained a strong reminder that meaningful humanitarian work was often reflected in the smallest acts of compassion and service.