Malaysia donates US$5 million to the people of Palestine

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia today presented a donation of US$5 million to the people of Palestine through the initiative of the Jordanian government to alleviate the suffering and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The donation was presented by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan to the Jordanian Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Ismael Maddallah Suliman Maaytah at Wisma Putra, here.

Mohamad said the US$5 million was cumulative donations from Malaysians under the Humanitarian Trust Fund for the People of Palestine (AAKRP).

"This is an effort by Malaysia, the people and the government, to continue helping the Palestinian people who are experiencing inhumane atrocities.

"We, Malaysians, are always ready to help those in need," he told a press conference after the presentation of the donation.

Mohamad said that RM99 million in donations had been raised under the AAKRP since it was established in October 2023.

He said that of that amount, more than RM70 million, including today's US$5 million donation, had been presented to relevant parties who are on a mission to help Palestine.

"There's some more left (in the fund) and we will present it directly to Palestine so that they can build or re-manage the wells that have been destroyed or buy the much-needed medical aid and others," he said.

Mohamad also called on Malaysians to continue contributing to the AAKRP in its efforts to help the Palestinians.

"Wisma Putra will handle the fund in the most transparent manner and submit a report to the Cabinet every three months on every donation received and made," he said.

Earlier in his speech, Mohamad said today's contribution is a sign of support for the initiative headed by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

"This collaboration between Malaysia and Jordan was quickly put into motion when my Jordanian counterpart informed me of His Majesty King Abdullah II's plans to spearhead a comprehensive operation that aims to establish an air bridge between Zarqa, Jordan, and the Karni crossing near Gaza.

"This mission, which is set to run for seven days, will be using Black Hawk helicopters to deliver 238 tonnes of high-value aid to Palestinians - making it easier for the international community to ensure that critical humanitarian aid is safely and efficiently delivered to those in urgent need," he said.

Mohamad said this donation will also assist Jordan in acquiring more trucks that are to be used to enter Gaza via the land route.

"Whether through air or land, every effort matters, and every penny counts in aiding the Palestinians to survive, rebuild, and reclaim their dignity. This is not just an act of generosity, but a life-saving undertaking for people deprived of basic needs," he added.

Meanwhile, Wisma Putra in a statement said Malaysia is committed to channelling supplies of basic necessities such as food, medical supplies, and other essential assistance to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people in Gaza.

According to the statement, Malaysia remains steadfast in its support for the Palestinian people until they achieve their right to self-determination in a sovereign and independent Palestinian state, based on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

"Malaysia has always been vocal in its solidarity with the Palestinian people, supporting their fight for freedom, dignity, and justice at the global level," it said.

-- BERNAMA

Read the latest news here