PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has contributed a total of US$150,000 (US$1 = RM4.196) in humanitarian aid through Disaster Fund of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support relief efforts for flood victims in Pakistan and earthquake victims in Afghanistan.
In a statement on Thursday, the Foreign Ministry said US$100,000 from the fund was channelled to assist flood victims in Pakistan.
The contribution was presented by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan to Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, said the ministry.
“Malaysia reaffirms its solidarity with the government and people of Pakistan in the wake of severe floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh, and Gilgit-Baltistan, which have resulted in the loss of lives, widespread displacement, and significant damage to infrastructure and livelihoods.
“Malaysia hopes that this contribution will help ease the hardships endured by the victims and contribute meaningfully to the ongoing relief and recovery efforts,” the ministry said.
The people of Malaysia extended their deepest sympathies to the people of Pakistan during this difficult period, expressing solidarity as the country recovers from the devastating floods.
To date, the total number of flood-related deaths in Punjab has jumped to 112, with 4.7 million people affected, according to Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed.
Meanwhile, Malaysia contributed US$50,000 through the fund to assist earthquake victims in Afghanistan. The donation was handed over by Mohamad through the Organisation of Malaysian Afghanistan Initiative (OMAI), a Malaysian non-governmental organisation (NGO), on the same day.
“Malaysia reaffirms its solidarity with the people of Afghanistan in the wake of the recent earthquake which have resulted in the loss of lives, widespread displacement, and significant damage to infrastructure and livelihoods.
“While Malaysia does not accord formal recognition to the current administration in Kabul, the government remains steadfast in pursuing constructive engagement with the people of Afghanistan.
“By collaborating with Malaysian NGOs, Malaysia ensures that the aid is delivered in a manner that is both effective and aligned with international humanitarian principles,” the statement added.
The ministry said Malaysia would continue to stand with the international community in mobilising humanitarian assistance, reaffirming its role as a responsible global citizen committed to peace, stability, and human dignity.
In Afghanistan, many survivors of the magnitude-6.0 quake remain homeless and exposed to harsh weather with winter approaching.
According to media reports, nearly 50 of the 411 affected villages have yet to be reached.
UN agencies have called for about US$139 million to support some 457,000 people over the next four months.
Established in 2006, the fund is a dedicated platform to extend humanitarian assistance to disaster-stricken communities worldwide.
The ministry welcomes contributions from all Malaysians, corporations, businesses, and NGOs to the fund. More info on it can be found at https://tabungbencana.kln.gov.my.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
