KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will remain steadfast in its commitment to providing essential aid and support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), amidst the current financial challenges faced by the relief agency.

In a statement released today, Wisma Putra said 12 major contributing countries had suspended their voluntary funding to UNRWA following allegations of the involvement of 12 staff members in the Oct 7 attack, resulting in a shortfall of funding.

However, it said In a display of support to UNRWA, the Malaysian government had channelled RM10 million (US$2.1 million) to the agency on Nov 17, utilising funds from the Humanitarian Trust Fund for the People of Palestine (AAKRP).

"This is additional to Malaysia's five-year pledge to UNRWA of US$200,000 annually from 2021 to 2025.

"As the situation continues to deteriorate, the government has agreed to contribute an additional RM10 million, matching the previous donation, bringing Malaysia's total contribution to UNRWA to RM20 million," the statement read.

It said Malaysia also welcomes the announcement by Australia, Iceland, Canada and Sweden on the resumption of their funding to UNRWA.

"Malaysia will continue to support UNRWA and its essential work to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians," the statement read.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/1029153/malaysia-will-not-abandon-unrwarm10-mil-given-additional-rm10-mil-way