SHAH ALAM: The Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisations (Mapim) is awaiting clearance from the Egyptian government to deliver 50 containers of food supplies to Gaza, currently stationed at the Rafah border.
Its president, Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid, said the containers are part of a broader humanitarian aid effort, following the earlier successful delivery of 100 containers containing tents and food to Palestine.
He said since the deaths of eight Mapim humanitarian workers in an Israeli air strike in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza, on March 15, the council has shifted its focus to food relief missions while awaiting approval to cross the Rafah border.
"I've been informed that Egypt is actively pressuring the Israeli regime to stop its aggression. If that happens, Mapim is ready to enter Gaza immediately with the prepared food supplies," he told Bernama at Mapim's 2025 Hari Raya celebration here on Wednesday (April 9).
The eight workers were killed around 1.30pm local time while setting up tents for displaced families who had lost their homes in ongoing Israeli attacks.
Mohd Azmi added that Mapim plans to increase its supply of tents in Gaza soon, once conditions are deemed safe.
He said Mapim aims to set up 20,000 tents in the next four months, as many Palestinians continue to shelter among the ruins of collapsed buildings amid the prolonged conflict.
He also shared that the council is in the final stages of preparation to launch the Malaysian Mosque Unity Movement, scheduled for April 24 in Kuala Lumpur.
He said the initiative would see 6,800 mosques nationwide forming a unified network under one umbrella, with plans to develop Islamic community development programmes, including support for the situation in Gaza.
"Mosques are fundamental institutions, and we believe it's time for them to play a more active role, especially through the pulpit, in raising awareness of current issues affecting the ummah," he said. – Bernama
