GSF: JAKIM Prepared To Provide Welfare Assistance, Counselling Support To Families Of Participating Malaysians

SEPANG, Sept 26  (Bernama) -- The Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) is prepared to provide welfare assistance, including financial aid and counselling support, to the families of the 34 Malaysians who are participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission to Gaza.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said this move is important to ensure the welfare aspect of family members is protected because it also involves emotional aspects.

“JAKIM does have spiritual counsellors, so they can help (family members) if there's any stress because a loved one is at sea.

"Perhaps if it's in the form of financial aid or whatever is needed, we can also look into that (for channelling)," he said.

He said this at a press conference after visiting the Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) at the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (MAPIM) Central Warehouse here today.

Also present were MAPIM chief executive officer Datuk Dr Ahmad Sani Araby.

Meanwhile, Mohd Na’im said the mission carried out by the 34 Malaysians is a noble effort that not everyone is capable of undertaking.

"I remember the GSF's mission was clear. Its goal was to send medical and food aid to the people in Gaza," he said.

He expressed his appreciation to the media for providing continuous coverage and conveying accurate narratives to Malaysians about the mission.

“The media plays an important role in building the people's spirit and conveying accurate information. The right narrative not only strengthens the spirit of our 34 volunteers but also gives hope to the people of Malaysia as a whole," he said.

A total of 34 Malaysians are participating in the GSF mission, which is currently in international waters near Greece and is expected to enter the yellow zone at any time before its scheduled arrival in Gaza waters at the end of this month.

The Malaysian contingent is part of activists from 45 countries sailing to Gaza to break the blockade of the enclave, resolutely facing various obstacles and threats, including drone attacks.

Malaysia became the first country to recognise the mission through the Prime Minister’s support.

The GSF voyage across the Mediterranean Sea is carrying food supplies, medicine,and a message of peace, urging an end to the war and famine crisis, and demanding the opening of humanitarian corridors to Gaza.

-- BERNAMA