I'm not sure if this has been tried locally, but I suggest banks, credit card companies, and retail networks start a donation drive of 'bonus points' for tsunami victims. The International Red Cross, for example, allows people to donate their frequent flyer airline miles.

Financial and retail institutions, especially credit card companies, normally send out yearly booklets to entice customers to convert their points into gadgets and trinkets. Not many of these products are attractive. I think many people don't use up their bonus points.

As such, these corporations could now mail out forms to ask customers if they would sign and donate part of their accumulated bonus points to their choice of charity and relief funds for the tsunami victims of Sumatra and southern Thailand. Besides via mail, these forms could be made available at counters at banks or post offices.

I suggest Sumatra and Thailand as I assume that our own government and private sector would be able to provide for Malaysian tsunami victims in the immediate future.

The situation in Sumatra is truly dire. We in Malaysia have the cultural and geographical obligation to help the victims there. Although a 'bonus points' donation probably won't reach the tsunami victims until the next few weeks, it will help in the long-term needs of the survivors and the rebuilding of their society. Besides this, the local financial institutions would gain considerable customer goodwill.

Some financial institutions may worry about 'revealing their hands' with regards as to exactly how much these points are worth in cash. They shouldn't worry. Anyone can calculate the cash value by comparing the points used up with the retail items being offered for exchange such as supermarket/fast food vouchers. The points-for-cash 'exchange rate' is all I would expect from the financial institutions. .

If the financial institutions are worried about administration costs, they could link up directly with international relief agencies and allow individual clients to donate through their websites.

This will minimise the initial mailing and printing costs. The choice of relief funds should include large, credible, international agencies with broad reaches and the ability to carry out long-term assistance.

Credit card companies could also give an option for the customer to donate via credit card (in addition to their bonus points). A small percentage of clients will do this. Because credit card companies can reach a lot more of individuals, this will amount to a lot of extra cash donations and justify the extra administration work.