RM2.3m for Sulawesi quake, tsunami victims

SEPANG: A total of RM2.3 million was contributed through the Malaysian Islamic Organisation Consultative Council (Mapim) Sulawesi Humanitarian Mission for victims of the earthquake and tsunami in the region.

The amount is the highest contribution compared with the first and second missions.

The donation comprised contributions from Mapim (RM1 million), which includes donation from Malaysians, RM300,000 from Singaporean agencies and companies, and RM1 million from the Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

Mapim chief executive officer Dr Ahmad Sani Araby Al Kahery said the third mission, which began from Nov 21, involved the participation of Jakim, Yayasan Waqaf Malaysia, Civil Defence Force (APM) members and various agencies, including the media.

“Forty-two volunteers participated in the third mission, which focused on post-disaster physical aid like the building of a village known as ‘Perkampungan Ummah’. This village is equipped with 100 houses and a mosque, which can accommodate 300 people, a water pump, a common kitchen, toilets and children’s play area.

“Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa is expected to launch the opening of the village,” he said at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport here yesterday.

The volunteers were sent off earlier by the transport minister ’s political secretary, Datuk Dahlan Maamor.

Ahmad Sani said Mapim wished to continue its efforts to render assistance, especially in setting up another 20 water pumps (Pompa Wakaf Malaysia), which had been certified by local authorities.

He said other assistance, such as 3,000 packs of food worth RM300 for two families, which would last for a month, 1,000 sets of prayer accessories worth RM300 for two families, 1,000 self-hygiene sets worth RM120 each for two families, would continue.

He said another RM500,000 was needed to help victims of the earthquake and tsunami in central Sulawesi.

This targeted amount will be collected for 10 days, beginning yesterday.

“This will be our final mission to Palu, Sulawesi. However, we will still come to monitor and inspect the project there.”

Malaysians who wish to donate to the Mapim Central Sulawesi Disaster Relief Fund can do so via www.rayuansulawesi.com or deposit into Maybank Islamic 5582 2060 5312 (Dana Mapim).