By JO TEH

KUALA LUMPUR: Singer Ning Baizura is one of the artistes performing at the Yogyakarta Quake Aid 2006 carnival on Aug 19 at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Club polo field.

 “It is only right for us to do what we can to help those affected,” says Ning.

Ning, who has been a feature in many charity concerts and carnivals in the past, will perform live on the main stage, belting out hits from her album Erti Pertemuan.

“Many of the songs have positive messages in them. Music has always acted as a channel that unites people. It brings people from all over to come together as one. 

“It is a very good way to send a positive message to people,” she said, adding that she would be showcasing the best of Malaysia during the carnival.

“I believe every one of us appreciates nature and what God has given us, and for something like the Yogyakarta earthquake to happen, it saddens and affects most of us. It is only right for us to do what we can to help those affected,” she added.

“Charity carnivals such as this are always for a good cause. It’s an honour for me to be a part of this carnival together with fellow artistes like Kris Dayanti and Marcell,” she said. 

She told The Star, the official newspaper for Yogyakarta Quake Aid 2006, that she would love to see more Malaysians extending their help to the affected communities of the earthquake.

“It gives me great joy and peace to know that I am able to help the people in need. Whether it’s a small or huge effort, it doesn’t matter. The help must come from the heart,'' she said. 

Tickets are available at all Tower Records, Music Valley outlets and at the venue. All proceeds – tickets are priced at RM80 per full access entry – will go towards the Force of Nature Aid Foundation's Indonesia Quake Fund. Children under 12 will be admitted free. 

The carnival will be broadcast live on Astro Ria.

The public can also donate via SMS until Sept 4. Each SMS is a donation of RM5. Just type “FON 5” and send to 32728 | DAPAT. 

Donations in the form of cheques can be made to the Force of Nature Aid Foundation at 23, Lorong Tanjung 5/4D, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

The 6.3-magnitude earthquake that hit Indonesia last May 27 has left in its wake almost 650,000 people displaced with 67,505 houses completely destroyed. 

Current forecasts for reconstruction are daunting and the foundation urges support for its long-term recovery efforts which focus especially in the areas of psycho-social support for survivors, restoring economic recovery and security, and strengthening disaster preparedness and response in the future. 

For more information, call 03-7960 0366 or log on to www.forceofnature.org or www.yogyaquakeaid2006.com.