PUTRAJAYA: The Humanitarian Trust Fund for the People of Palestine (AAKRP) managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is approaching its target of collecting RM100 million, with RM81 million raised so far, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Speaking at the handing over of donations to AAKRP today, Anwar, who is Finance Minister, said the huge collection raised within a short time reflected Malaysia's solidarity with the struggle of the Palestinian people.

He gave the assurance that the AAKRP would be channelled directly to obtain medicine, food, drink and basic facilities for the affected Palestinian people.

"I am overwhelmed that in a short time, we are able to raise more than RM80 million, just a little short of the goal announced which is RM100 million. This shows the concern, and we thank them, the government-linked companies, private companies and non-Muslim companies," he said.

The AAKRP fund was established following the recent conflict and violence in the Gaza Strip with the government having contributed RM10 million to the fund.

Among the biggest contributors to AAKRP today are Khazanah Nasional Bhd and government-linked companies (GLCs) amounting to RM15 million, Albukhary Foundation (RM15 million) and YTL Corporation Bhd (RM5 million).

The latest fighting in Palestine, involving Hamas, which is the authority in Gaza, and the Israeli regime since Oct 7, has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives on both sides.

Anwar also reminded those who collect donations for the Palestinian people to always be responsible and not take advantage of the fund for their own interests.

"I would like to advise my friends at the mosque or surau that when they collect money, there must be a sense of responsibility and it must be managed efficiently. Do not take the opportunity to enrich themselves.

"Voluntary organisations should not spend so much to beauty their offices, this fund is for humanitarian aid," he said.

He also called on Malaysians to contribute through the right channels to avoid their donations being misused by irresponsible parties.

"This is a humanitarian issue, the distribution (of funds) should be more transparent and done responsibly," he said.

Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin and Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia Walid Abu Ali.

-- BERNAMA