From Shah Alam to Gaza: A Brotherhood That Distance Cannot Break
- Written by Writer
Thousands of kilometers separate Shah Alam from Gaza. Yet for many in Malaysia, the suffering of Gaza's people feels close. In late 2023, that feeling became Gaza humanitarian aid from Malaysia, sent through the Ops Ihsan mission.
Ops Ihsan is an initiative of Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government agencies, backed by more than 50 non-governmental organizations, including Humanitarian Care Malaysia (MyCARE). Through MyCARE, Wardah, Kahf and Emina, brands of Pharmacore Technology & Innovation Sdn Bhd, contributed RM500,000 to the mission's third phase.
Three of the Most Urgent Needs
The donation was shaped around needs on the ground:
- Medical kits for injured residents being treated in hospitals (RM225,000)
- Food packs for displaced families (RM125,000)
- Cash assistance for medical teams who keep working (RM150,000)
A simple ceremony was held at Klinik Ajwa in Section 7, Shah Alam, on December 7, 2023. Television personality Dayah Bakar represented Wardah, Qawiy represented Kahf and Amanda Amry represented Emina. MyCARE chief executive Haji Kamarul Zaman Shaharul Anwar gave an update on the situation in Gaza.
The Journey of the Aid
The contribution was part of 60 tonnes of humanitarian aid prepared at the KLIA Cargo Terminal on December 18, 2023. Two days later it reached Egypt, where the Egyptian Red Crescent received it. It was then taken through the Rafah crossing and handed to the Palestine Red Crescent Society, which distributes aid to hospitals and communities in Gaza.
"Alhamdulillah, with Allah's will and the support and cooperation of MyCARE, we were able to deliver donations of medical equipment, food packs and cash assistance for the medical team in Gaza, in the hope of meeting the needs of the Palestinian people," said Agung Andrian, Group Head of International Business at ParagonCorp.
Part of a Longer Journey
In Indonesia, in November 2023, ParagonCorp also joined the Indonesian government in sending aid to Gaza worth around RM1.5 million, including food, medicine, blankets, clothes, hygiene kits and other urgent supplies.
"Through this donation, we aim to reinforce our care, concern and help, while standing in solidarity with Palestine," said Dayah Bakar. She also encouraged Malaysians to stand with the people of Gaza, because every act counts, whether support, prayers or donations.
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#LangkahBerdampak #BersamaJagaPalestin
Shah Alam, Malaysia | December 2023
