Saudi Embassy distributes 'IFTARKHS' food packets to Bernama staff

KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 -- In appreciation of the role of the media in delivering current issues, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Saudi Arabia Embassy in Malaysia today distributed food for breaking fast to employees of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama).

The distribution of 250 packets of food via the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Iftar (Breaking-fast) Programme in conjunction with Ramadan Al-Mubarak was presented by Saudi Arabia Embassy’s Religious Attaché in Malaysia Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Rubaian to Bernama editor-in-chief Datuk Mokhtar Hussain.

Sheikh Abdul Rahman said the contribution was in appreciation of Bernama staff, who were part of the frontline personnel, delivering accurate information to Malaysians as the country faces COVID-19.

“IFTARKHS (Iftar Khaadimul Haramain Al-Syareefain) is the annual contribution of Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz to be distributed to Muslim countries worldwide. The programme is a work of charity and King Salman's concern for the needs of Muslims,” he told Bernama after presenting the contribution at Wisma Bernama, today.

Commenting further, Sheikh Abdul Rahman said this year’s IFTARKHS was divided into two major programmes, which included sponsoring Iftar meals and food baskets to the needy in Malaysia.

“The contributions will be distributed to frontline workers, orphanages, senior citizens, refugees and the Orang Asli people. We distributed about 15,000 packs of iftar food and 1,000 food baskets in collaboration with the Association of Malaysian Scholars (iLMU), the Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APM) and Syarikat ZeptoExpress Malaysia for delivery services, ”he said.

On April 23, King Salman agreed to an additional allocation of five million Riyals (equivalent to about RM5.72 million) to sponsor this year’s breaking fast programme organised by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Da'wah and Guidance in 18 Muslim countries.

The programme is targetting sponsorships for one million underprivileged Muslims around the world amid the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Meanwhile, Mokhtar said: “We are very grateful today to receive a visit by Sheikh Abdul Rahman who  presented food for breaking fast to Bernama staff working in the office, who are also considered as frontliners.”

-- BERNAMA