PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will contribute an additional RM10mil (US$2.1mil) to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), says Wisma Putra.
It said this brings the total contribution to RM20mil (US$4.21mil).In a statement yesterday, the Foreign Ministry said Malaysia agreed to make the additional contribution following the worsening situation in Gaza.
The ministry also said that Malaysia will remain steadfast in its commitment to providing essential aid and support to UNRWA amidst the current financial challenges faced by the relief agency.
In Nov 17 last year, Malaysia channelled RM10mil to the agency through funds from the Humanitarian Trust Fund for the People of Palestine.
This is in addition to Malaysia’s five-year pledge to UNRWA of US$200,000 (RM947,800) annually from 2021 to 2025, it added.
The Foreign Ministry also said Malaysia welcomes the announcement by Australia, Iceland, Canada and Sweden on the resumption of funding to UNRWA.
“Malaysia will continue to support UNRWA and its essential work to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians,” it said.
UNRWA was established by the UN General Assembly on Dec 8, 1949, for the purpose of providing basic necessities to the displaced population in Palestine, including food, healthcare and education to tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees.
