KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry (Mindef) has not appointed any non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to collect funds to cover the treatment costs of Palestinian patients currently in Malaysia.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Mindef and the Malaysian Armed Forces have established their own channels for any parties wishing to contribute.
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"We don’t utilise or endorse any NGOs to collect funds because the ministry and the military hospital already have channels.
"Those who wish to contribute can do so through these channels," he said after launching the ministry-level Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign in conjunction with National Month here on Monday (Aug 19).
"If anyone claims to be raising funds for Palestinian patients, please verify with us.
"We welcome assistance, but it should be directed through the proper channels," he added.
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Also present were Defence Forces chief General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman, Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, Air Force chief General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, acting Navy chief Vice Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain, and Army deputy chief Lt-General Datuk Tengku Muhammad Fauzi Tengku Ibrahim.
On a related note, Khaled said the Palestinians who arrived in Malaysia for treatment on Friday (Aug 16) are receiving proper care.
"I believe we are providing them with necessary and appropriate treatment. They are currently undergoing treatment, which may take time due to the severity of their injuries,” he said.
On future missions to bring more injured Palestinians to Malaysia, Khaled said it would depend on the government’s decision.
On Friday, two Royal Malaysian Air Force Airbus A-400M aircraft carrying 41 injured Palestinians and 86 family members landed safely at the Subang Air Base in Selangor at around 2pm, after taking off from Al Maza Air Force Base in Cairo, Egypt the previous night. – Bernama
