Following the devastating earthquake in Turkiye and Syria, many nations including Malaysia have offered help and support to the effected countries, as they should.
But now, Malaysia is receiving flak from locals for also donating money to the effected countries.
Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim (DSAI) took to his Twitter page to announce that Malaysia will be donating millions to Turkiye and Syria as relief, with US$1 million (RM4,306,000.00) coming from the Malaysian government and the Sultan of Johor each.
He wrote, “Malaysia will donate more than US$2 million (RM8,612,000.00) to Turkey and Syria to help earthquake victims in both countries. The Cabinet agreed to provide US$1 million (RM4,306,000.00) while the Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar also agreed to contribute US$1 million (RM4,306,000.00).”
“The Islamic Religious Council of the Federal Territory will also contribute RM10 million. The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council will also contribute RM1 million.”
On top of the monetary aid, Malaysia is also sending help in the form of rescuers and medical personnel
“Malaysia will send the second Malaysian Special Search and Rescue Team (SMART) to Turkey tonight to participate in the search and rescue (SAR) mission of earthquake victims. The second team under the supervision of the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) will consist of 70 members from SMART and the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department.”
“The Ministry of Defense will also prepare a team of ATM doctors and paramedics to prepare a ‘field hospital’ in Turkiye. The Ministry of Health will present a white paper on vaccine procurement and related costs signed by the minister without the approval of the Attorney General,” DSAI added.
Some Malaysians have since shared dissatisfaction over the monetary aid as they believe the money should be directed towards helping the Malaysian people instead
“Channel it to our citizens la woi.”
“We ourselves don’t have money, want to help other peoples’ countries.”
“In order to look good in the eyes of others, the citizens themselves have to be like beggars for their own money (KWSP).”
What do you think? Should the government be prioritising our own people when it comes to monetary aid or should Malaysia be able to send money to countries devastated by natural disasters?
Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
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