Photo: AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has channelled some RM70mil out of RM99mil under the Humanitarian Trust Fund for the People of Palestine (AAKRP) to the Palestinian people, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The Foreign Minister said the sum has been strategically distributed to key platforms, such as the United Nations’ flash appeals; Ops Ihsan, an initiative led by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working alongside the Egyptian Red Crescent and Palestinian Red Crescent Society, with support from the Egyptian Government.
"Yes, there is still a little more, and we will later hand it over directly to the Palestinian authorities so that they can rebuild or manage the wells that have been destroyed, as well as provide the medical assistance that is urgently needed," he told reporters at the presentation ceremony for Malaysia's contribution to Palestine under the initiative of the Kingdom of Jordan, at Wisma Putra, on Wednesday (Dec 18)
Additionally, Mohamad, who is also known as Tok Mat, said that during this winter period in Palestine, the Palestinian people faced various difficulties, especially the need for clothing that could withstand the cold in that area.
"As we stand here, Palestinians are enduring untold suffering.
"As winter sets in, more than 80% of Palestinian infrastructure has been destroyed or severely damaged, and with the Rafah crossing closed, there is an urgent need for critical humanitarian aid such as blankets, warm clothing, food, clean water and shelters.
"So, this is what we will continue to do, and I ask the Malaysians who have sincere compassion for the suffering, of not only in Palestine but elsewhere, to continue contributing to these funds, especially through the AAKRP fund," he said.
According to Tok Mat, AAKRP has collected more than RM99mil since Oct 2023.
"These funds have supported critical initiatives such as the upkeep of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and extended vital assistance to Palestinian students in Malaysia through an initiative by the Higher Education Ministry, providing them with education, opportunities and a brighter future," said Mohamad.
Aside from that, the Foreign Minister said that a one-off contribution of USD5mil (RM22.34mil) was allocated to the initiative headed by Jordan.
He explained that this collaboration between Malaysia and Jordan was put in plan under an operation that aims to establish an air bridge between Zarqa, Jordan, and the Karni crossing near Gaza, Palestine.
"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," added Tok Mat.
At the same time, this contribution would also assist Jordan in acquiring more trucks 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. Undertaken to help people who are deprived of basic needs," said the Foreign Minister.
