SEPANG: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil presented new mobile phones to 23 Malaysian volunteers who participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission to Gaza, as a gesture of appreciation for their contributions.
Fahmi said the contribution was intended to facilitate communication and personal matters upon their return home, while enabling the volunteers to continue sharing their experiences and insights from the mission more effectively.
Last Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government would replace the mobile phones of Malaysian volunteers that had been discarded at sea in line with safety standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Fahmi added that the gesture reflected the government's appreciation for the volunteers who represented Malaysia in the GSF mission and provided regular updates throughout their time on board.
"The government deeply appreciates the dedication and spirit demonstrated by the volunteers," he said.
Emirates flight EK342, carrying 27 Malaysian volunteers, including four from the observer vessel, and five lawyers, landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 at 10.07pm on Tuesday (Oct 7).
Apart from Fahmi, the group's arrival was also welcomed by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, as well as representatives from government agencies, non-governmental organisations and family members.
On Oct 2, Israeli forces intercepted all 42 vessels of the GSF and detained 495 activists, including 23 Malaysians, who were subsequently released in stages beginning Oct 4.
The SOPs were part of precautionary measures in case the vessels were intercepted by Israeli forces, with all delegates having received detailed briefings and hands-on training before setting sail on the mission. - Bernama
