Malaysia to contribute additional RM10mil to UNRWA, as Gaza situations worsens, says Wisma Putra

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will contribute an additional RM10mil (US$2.1mil) to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

This would make the country's total contribution to the agency reach RM20mil (US$4.21mil).

A statement from Wisma Putra on Friday (March 22) said Malaysia agreed to make the additional contribution with the situation in Gaza worsening and the financial challenges facing the agency.

Wisma Putra said Malaysia continues and remains steadfast in its commitment to providing essential aid and support to UNRWA amidst the current financial challenges faced by the relief agency.

In support towards UNRWA, Malaysia on Nov 17, 2023 channelled RM10mil to the agency utilising funds from the Humanitarian Trust Fund for the People of Palestine (AAKRP).

This was on top of Malaysia’s five-year pledge to UNRWA of US$200,000 (RM947,800) annually from 2021 to 2025, it added.

It said Malaysia also welcomed the announcement by Australia, Iceland, Canada and Sweden on the resumption of their funding to UNRWA.

"Malaysia will continue to support UNRWA and its essential work to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians," it said.