MELAKA: The Melaka State Legislative Assembly today congratulated and paid tribute to Azwan Omar or better known as 'Abang Viva' who has helped flood victims in several areas in Shah Alam, Selangor and the Klang Valley.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali, when tabling the Melaka State Budget 2022, said he was touched by the selfless act of the 29-year-old machine operator who was willing to take leave just to carry out his mission to send aid to the flood victims.

"What makes us proud is that he went there with a boat tied to the roof of his Perodua Viva car and only RM50 in his pocket. He used RM20 to fuel up and the remaining RM30 to purchase food.

"Therefore, we should congratulate and pay tribute to the volunteer hero from Melaka by giving a round of applause to 'Abang Viva'," he said.

Azwan has become a social media sensation and won the hearts of the people of various races when a Twitter user posted about his willingness to travel to Selangor from Melaka in his Perodua Viva with a boat strapped on the roof of the car to rescue residents trapped in their flood-hit house.

Meanwhile, Sulaiman announced that the state government has allocated RM200,000 for the purchase of boats as a preparation to face the natural disaster in future.

-- BERNAMA