BY: NORHAYATI UMOR
SHAH ALAM, JAN 23: The Food Flotilla For Myanmar (FFFM) humanitarian mission has only managed to collect approximately 500 tonnes of food and medical supplies; far from its 1,000 tonnes target by February 3.
Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisation (MAPIM) President Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid said that in the absence of other support, the amount can only provide aid to only 30,000 Rohingya refugees.
“Several parties have promised to help but have yet to hand over the items pledged. I am worried if we would have to sail with less than the 1,000 tonnes capacity as it is just two weeks to our scheduled departure to the refugee camps.
“The mission must bring 80% food and 20% medical supplies for thousands of refugees in Taknaf camp. Bangladesh needs immediate help besides food for the Rohingyas who are still trapped in their country,” he said after the Flotilla to Myanmar Dialogue on January 22.
He said Malaysia’s efforts to help the Rohingya refugees are now starting to gain attention from the world, including several non-governmental organisations (NGO) from abroad.
Among which are United Kingdom (UK), China, Germany, Netherlands, France, United States of America, Philippines and Singapore who have started to express their support and extend help.
“We wish to reach up to 1,000 NGOs across the world to support this humanitarian mission.
“It is led by Malaysia but joined by international Flotila. Besides that, we also have the support of domestic and foreign agencies,” he said.
Azmi also pleaded with any organisation and the public to extend their support to this humanitarian mission that helps thousands of Rohingya refugees.
The mission will be using the vessel Nautical Aliya and will sail from Port Klang to Yangoon, Myanmar; before continue sailing to Teknaf, with 200 activists including 30 doctors and 27 domestic and international media representatives.
Myanmar humanitarian mission yet to reach 1000 tonnes of food and medicine
