NDMA’s First Relief Consignment Departs for Flood-Hit Malaysia
— December 7, 2024
ISLAMABAD (AIA) Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is set to dispatch its first relief consignment carrying 40 tonnes of aid for flood-affected people in Malaysia. The shipment will depart from Islamabad International Airport to Kuala Lumpur via a chartered flight on Sunday morning.
The relief effort follows Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif’s directive to assist Malaysia in the wake of devastating floods. The consignment includes food packs, winter tents, blankets, and medicines, aimed at meeting the immediate needs of those affected.
Federal Minister for Housing and Works Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Malaysian Embassy First Secretary Zulasri Rosdi, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and NDMA attended a departure ceremony at Islamabad International Airport.
Expressing his condolences, Minister Pirzada conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Malaysian people, emphasising the nation’s commitment to helping those in need. A second consignment of equal size is planned for next week, underlining Pakistan’s ongoing support.
The monsoon season has caused heavy rainfall and flash floods across nine eastern Malaysian states, impacting 137,410 people in 38 districts. Over 40,922 families have sought refuge in 633 evacuation centres, with nine reported fatalities. The rain is forecast to continue until February 2025.
On November 30, 2024, Prime Minister Sharif personally reached out to Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, offering condolences for the lives lost and pledging immediate assistance. PM Ibrahim expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s prompt humanitarian response.
Having faced its own share of natural disasters, Pakistan shares a profound understanding of the hardships caused by such calamities, driving its commitment to support Malaysia in its recovery efforts.