Malaysia has pledged an additional 10 million Malaysian Ringgit ($2.1 million) to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), bringing its total contribution to 20 million Ringgit ($4.21 million).
The Malaysian Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) announced this in a press release reported by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), citing the ongoing deterioration in Gaza and the financial challenges faced by the agency.
The Foreign Ministry stated that Malaysia remains steadfast in its commitment to providing aid and essential support to UNRWA amidst its financial hurdles. In a show of support for UNRWA, on November 17, Malaysia allocated 10 million Ringgit ($2.1 million) from the Humanitarian Trust Fund for the People of Palestine (AAKRP) to the agency, in addition to its five-year pledge of $200,000 annually to UNRWA from 2021 to 2025.
The Ministry highlighted that 12 major contributing countries had suspended their voluntary funding to UNRWA following allegations of involvement by 12 of its staff members in an attack on October 7, 2023, leading to a funding shortfall. However, Malaysia welcomed the announcement by Australia, Iceland, Canada, and Sweden to resume their funding for UNRWA.
Malaysia affirmed its ongoing support for UNRWA and its crucial work in alleviating the suffering of Palestinians.
