RM700,000 collected under Palestinian relief fund initiative - Zuraida

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM700,000 has been collected under the first series of the Palestinian Relief Fund initiative launched by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) on May 28.

Its minister, Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin said RM185,000 was contributed by Pertubuhan Penggerak Komuniti Negara Malaysia (PKN) while RM515,000 was from all KPKT staff, including from Perbadanan PR1MA Malaysia (PR1MA), SWCorp and Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB).

"The Palestinian Relief Fund was launched as a sign of solidarity and concern of Malaysians, especially KPKT staff, towards the sufferings and atrocities faced by the Palestinians at this moment," she said in a statement.

The contribution will be presented to the Palestinian Relief Fund under the auspices of PKN and the Council of Malaysian Women Political Leaders (COMWEL) to be handed over to the people of Palestine.

Zuraida said the latest series of violence by the Zionist army against the Palestinians was very disappointing and that, to date, 256 people had been confirmed dead since Israel bombed Gaza on May 10, as reported by the international media.

"Palestinians are now appealing to the whole world to come together to help ease their hardship and suffering. Their houses, mosques and schools are destroyed while their enterprises and industries are paralysed and need to be redeveloped. Let us stand in solidarity against such tragedies that are faced by Muslims in Gaza and around the world," she said.

Zuraida, who expressed her gratitude for the contributions, hoped that the public would continue to support efforts carried out by various parties to help the Palestinians as a sign of their care, concern and solidarity.

-- BERNAMA