PUTRAJAYA: The Humanitarian Trust Fund for the People of Palestine has received a RM71mil boost, thanks to caring Malaysians.
The donations came from more than 40 companies and corporations, with Khazanah Nasional Berhad and government-linked companies being the biggest contributors donating a total of RM15.5mil.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the humanitarian aid from Malaysia is meant to provide food and medicine as well as to repair basic infrastructure in Gaza.
"I am touched by the generosity of Malaysians. We must ensure that the financial assistance from Malaysia is used efficiently and and responsibly," he said Thursday (Oct 19) when witnessing the handing over of the aid to the Foreign Ministry, which manages the fund.
Anwar said the contribution brings the total aid from Malaysia to RM81mil.
During the tabling of Budget 2024, the government had pledged RM10mil to the Humanitarian Trust Fund for the People of Palestine.
The Prime Minister said Malaysians must look at the conflict and violence in the Gaza Strip as a humanitarian issue.
"Malaysians must take a less combative and strident position when it comes to this issue and take on a humanitarian stand," he added.