KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 — Malaysia stands firmly with the Philippines and has extended humanitarian assistance to ease people’s suffering after Tropical Storm Kristine hit the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He also extended his heartfelt sympathies to the people of Spain affected by massive floods.
In a Facebook post about the disaster in the Philippines, Anwar said the terrible tragedy reminds all parties of the importance of unity and close regional cooperation.
“To President Bongbong (Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr) and the people of the Philippines, I express my condolences. Malaysia stands firmly with the Philippines and will never ignore its neighbours, especially in times of distress and tragedy.
“While we mobilise immediate assistance, we both state the need to contribute to long-term recovery as well as initiatives towards reconstruction.”
Anwar also shared that he received a phone call from Marcos who is also his good friend and expressed Malaysia’s full support to the republic which is now beset by calamity due to the storm.
The Prime Minister reiterated his determination to cooperate more closely with the Philippines in strengthening disaster response not only to strengthen bilateral relations, but also to bolster the region’s resilience.
On October 27, a Royal Malaysian Air Force EC 725 AP helicopter of Squadron No. 5 at Labuan Air Base was mobilised in a Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Mission to deliver essential goods to the affected areas in the Philippines.
In a separate post on the disaster in Spain, Anwar said: “I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathies to the people in Spain who have suffered the tragic loss of hundreds of lives as well as widespread devastation in Valencia caused by massive flooding last week.
“The people of Malaysia are with the people of Spain in these most trying times and will continue to pray for their safety and well-being, with earnest hope that the situation will improve in the days ahead.”
According to media reports, over 200 have died in the devastating disaster, marking Spain’s worst flood in decades.
— Bernama
