Airbnb.org has partnered with the Selangor State Government and HostPlatform to provide free temporary accommodation for families affected by the recent fire in Putra Heights, Malaysia. The initiative offers emergency housing at no cost to those who have lost their homes or been displaced by the disaster.
The collaboration involves the Selangor State Government identifying residents in need of emergency shelter, particularly from Taman Putra Harmoni and Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru. These residents are then assisted in securing up to 30 days of free accommodation through Airbnb.org while longer-term housing solutions are being developed.
Selangor Chief Minister Y.A.B Dato’ Seri Haji Amirudin Shari said: “Amat membanggakan apabila menyaksikan bagaimana komuniti bersatu padu pada masa-masa memerlukan. Detik-detik krisis inilah yang menyerlahkan empati, ketabahan dan semangat kebersamaan rakyat Selangor yang tiada tandingannya.
Saya amat berbesar hati kerana Airbnb.org merupakan salah satu kumpulan terawal yang tampil untuk bekerjasama dengan Kerajaan Negeri Selangor bagi menawarkan penempatan yang lebih selamat dan berkualiti secara percuma selama sebulan kepada penduduk yang ditempatkan di pusat pemindahan.
Sehingga kini, lebih 100 keluarga yang terkesan akibat kebakaran di Putra Heights telah mendaftar untuk menerima tawaran bermakna daripada Airbnb.org ini. Ini memberi ruang kepada para penduduk untuk menarik nafas lega dan memulakan langkah membina semula kehidupan mereka, sementara Kerajaan Negeri dan Persekutuan menumpukan usaha untuk membina semula kediaman dan infrastruktur yang musnah dalam insiden tragik ini.”
HostPlatform has contributed RM100,000 to Airbnb.org as additional support for fire victims and deployed a support team on-site to help survivors book free accommodation via Airbnb.org.
Jayden Lee, CEO of HostPlatform, stated: “Kami berbangga dapat menyokong Kerajaan Negeri Selangor dan Airbnb.org dengan menggerakkan rangkaian hos kami bagi membantu mangsa kebakaran di Putra Heights mendapatkan tempat perlindungan pada saat mencabar ini.”
Airbnb.org is a nonprofit founded by Airbnb that provides free emergency stays during crises. To date, it has provided over 1.6 million nights of emergency accommodation to more than 250,000 people worldwide. The organization works with nonprofits and governments to identify disaster victims and relies on contributions from Airbnb, private donors, and hosts who offer their properties for free or at discounted rates.
Airbnb hosts can choose to offer accommodations for free or at a discount through Airbnb.org. Service fees are waived for these bookings, and participating hosts receive an Airbnb.org supporter badge on their profiles as recognition. Hosts may also donate part of their earnings to help more people find shelter during emergencies.
