Malaysian Red Crescent Calls For Immediate Action To Alleviate Suffering In Gaza  

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) has urged all Red Cross and Red Crescent leaders to work together to show solidarity wherever possible to influence decision-makers to seek ceasefire, mobilise funding and support humanitarian services in Gaza.

Malaysian Red Crescent national chairman, the Tunku Temenggong of Kedah, Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, said humanitarian workers were being targeted and killed in Gaza, and this must be stopped and highlighted to the international community.

“As we celebrate our work together as a Southeast Asian humanitarian network, I feel it is important to remember those who are most in need of assistance. I'm thinking particularly of our brothers and sisters in Gaza, who are enduring the most appalling suffering.

“Humanitarian workers are being targeted and killed, and this is something that we really need to put a stop to and highlight because we must do everything to alleviate and end the terrible suffering there.

“Let us carry forward the spirit of solidarity and compassion that's been renewed, and may the seas that unite us remain symbols of connection, binding us in service to humanity,” she said in her speech at the closing dinner of the 22nd Southeast Asia Red Cross and Red Crescent Leaders Meeting and the launch of MRC’s 75th Anniversary Coffee Table Book here tonight.

The dinner was attended by the Prime Minister’s wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.

Commenting on the three-day meeting themed The Seas that Unite Us, Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz said it reflected on challenges faced by the region, including disaster preparedness, climate change, health crises and displacement, while highlighting the importance of cross-border collaboration in humanitarian action.

Earlier, Dr Wan Azizah inaugurated the Malaysian Red Crescent’s 75th Anniversary Coffee Table Book in conjunction with its anniversary. The book will be available to the public for a RM250 donation, with proceeds channelled to support humanitarian services.

The event was made possible with the support of various donors and partners, including Yayasan Raja Zarith Sofiah Negeri Johor, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Prime Minister’s Department and National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA). 

According to MCR’s statement, the event is expected to strengthen partnerships with governments, corporate partners, donors and international stakeholders, while deepening regional solidarity among Southeast Asia's Red Cross Red Crescent and National Societies. 

“The event also enhanced recognition of MRC's 75-year humanitarian legacy and encouraged greater public engagement, particularly inspiring youth and communities to contribute to the humanitarian mission,” it said.

-- BERNAMA