Humanitarian Aid: 10 Containers From Malaysia Taken Into Gaza

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- Ten out of the 100 containers containing various contributions from Malaysians have been taken into and distributed to the people in Gaza over the past month.

The head of the Malaysian 100 containers of emergency aid mission to Gaza, Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby said the 10 containers, which contained flour, personal hygiene kits, aid boxes and medicines, were brought in in stages.

"We waited nearly three months for clearance to bring them in and we are thrilled and extremely grateful. I count this as a blessing from the prayers of all Malaysians.

"Two containers were taken into Gaza last month while eight others were brought in on Friday (Oct 4). The items in the containers were distributed to those in need,” he said after Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar flagged off the 'Misi Jelajah Peduli Ummah: Sejahtera Insan Al-Falah’ convoy here today.

Malaysia had previously sent 100 containers with 1,358 tonnes of goods to Gaza through the fourth humanitarian aid mission launched in March.

That aid mission, officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, was headed by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisation (MAPIM).

Elaborating, Sani Araby, who is also the MAPIM chief executive officer, said the 10 containers were brought in through Rafah before proceeding to Karem Al-Shalom and onwards to Gaza.

"For now, we are making efforts to bring in the remaining 90 containers via land route through Jordan. We have been dealing with the relevant parties for the past two months.

"I expect we'll hear good news, perhaps in the next one month,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mohd Na’im said the 'Jelajah Peduli Ummah’ programme launched today was an initiative involving the collaboration of various agencies, such as the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), Yayasan Waqaf Malaysia, Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) and Zus Coffee.

"This is an example of how our communities, irrespective of their backgrounds, can work together to achieve the same goal - to help the ummah in need.

"The main goal of this expedition is to deliver assistance to the asnaf and B40 groups, students, orphans, the elderly, Orang Asli, flood victims and various other segments of society in need of special attention,” he said.

Sani Araby said MAPIM had mobilised 3,000 volunteers and 20 assets, including mobile kitchens and clinics, nationwide to cater to the needs of those in need.

He said the humanitarian initiative, through the 'Konvoi Misi Jelajah Peduli Ummah: Sejahtera Insan Al-Falah’, is being implemented from this month until next February, targeting about 100,000 recipients.

Throughout the programme, several activities will also be implemented, including the Ummah Help Ummah Mission; 'Peduli Ummah: Sejahtera Insan dengan Nilai Al-Falah’ Carnival; Majlis Selawat and Solat Hajat; Ziarah Mu’saadah Dakwah dan Jiwa Murni Al-Falah; and the Asnaf and Orphans Aid Mission.

-- BERNAMA