PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry will ensure that Malaysian volunteers of the intercepted Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) receive comprehensive medical screenings and necessary treatments once they are back on Malaysian soil, said its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The ministry would also provide them with ongoing psychosocial and trauma recovery support through the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health (NCEMH), he added.
"Their safety, dignity and recovery are our priority.
"These are just ordinary people, doctors, journalists and humanitarian activists, who are bringing medicines, food, baby supplies and aid for the people of Gaza.
"Yet they still faced threats, intimidation and unlawful detention.
"It must have been a very distressing experience and would have surely left a deep traumatic impact," Dzulkefly said in a statement.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Anwar Ibrahim had said the 23 Malaysians, who were detained after Israel intercepted the flotilla, have been released and will be making their way to Istanbul before returning home.
The GSF, comprising over 500 activists from 45 countries, was on a voyage to Gaza as a gesture of solidarity and as part of an effort to break the Israeli blockade.
The flotilla was carrying vital food and medical supplies, bearing a message of peace that demanded an end to the war and famine, as well as the immediate opening of humanitarian corridors to Gaza.
