PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has contributed more than RM70 million so far to various organisations, including non-governmental organisations, to help alleviate the suffering and worsening humanitarian crisis affecting the Palestinians in Gaza.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the contribution was channelled through the ministry's Committee of the Palestinian Trust Fund (AAKRP).
"Since October 2023, the trust fund has successfully collected more than RM99 million, and almost half of this amount has been strategically channelled to key platforms such as the United Nations, flash appeals and Ops Ihsan.
"These funds have supported critical initiatives, including the upkeep of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and provided vital assistance to Palestinian students in Malaysia through an initiative by the Higher Education Ministry, offering them education, opportunities and a brighter future.
"There are still remaining funds, which will soon be channelled directly to the Palestinians to help rebuild destroyed wells and provide much-needed medical assistance.
"With the winter season approaching, they are also in desperate need of winter clothing to protect them from the cold," he said during a press conference following the presentation ceremony for Malaysia's Contribution to Palestine under the initiative of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Mohamad also presented a one-off contribution of a USD5 million cheque under the initiative of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to its ambassador to Malaysia, Dr Ismael Maddallah Suliman Maaytah.
"This collaboration between Malaysia and Jordan was quickly initiated when my Jordanian counterpart informed me of His Majesty King Abdullah II's plans to spearhead a comprehensive operation to establish an air bridge between Zarqa, Jordan and the Karni crossing near Gaza.
"This mission, set to run for seven days, will use Black Hawk helicopters to deliver 238 tonnes of high-value aid to Palestinians, ensuring that critical humanitarian assistance is safely and efficiently delivered to those in urgent need.
"Additionally, this contribution will also assist Jordan in acquiring more trucks to transport aid into Gaza via the land route," he said.
Mohamad also urged all Malaysians, who have consistently shown great concern for the plight of Palestinians, to continue donating.
Meanwhile, he assured that the administration of AAKRP would be conducted transparently, with reports submitted to the Cabinet every three months.
"We will report to the Cabinet every three months on how the funds are managed, to whom they have been distributed, and the amounts disbursed.
"The process is highly transparent, allowing anyone to review the accounts.
"God willing, these efforts will yield positive outcomes. Thank you to all Malaysians for their unwavering support of the Palestinian people. Let us continue to assist them in any way we can."