MALAYSIA EXTENDS AID TO NAMIBIA AMID DEVASTATING DROUGHT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- In a show of international solidarity and cooperation, Malaysia has stepped up to assist Namibia in its battle against a devastating drought.

The Acting High Commissioner of Malaysia in Windhoek, Namibia, Datuk Dr Mohamad Rameez Yahaya handed over the country’s contribution to Namibia’s Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa Amadhila at the country’s Cabinet Chamber of the Prime Minister's office on Monday.

A statement by the High Commission of Malaysia said that the contribution, which was facilitated through the Tabung Bencana Kementerian Luar Negeri (Foreign Ministry Disaster Fund), was in response to Namibia's plea for international assistance. 

The severe drought, declared a national emergency by President Nangolo Mbumba on May 22, 2024, has wreaked havoc across all 14 regions of Namibia, severely impacting the livelihood of its people and the country's food security.

Recognising the gravity of the situation, Namibia's government convened a meeting in June, calling on diplomats from various countries to help bridge a funding gap exceeding NAD 400 million (US$22.78 million). 

In response, the High Commission of Malaysia wrote a request for aid in June to Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry also known as Wisma Putra.

Through the ‘Tabung Bencana Kementerian Luar Negeri’, Malaysia committed US$40,000 (NAD 710,400) to support Namibia’s drought relief efforts. This significant contribution was officially presented in a formal session with Amadhila on Monday. 

Amadhila thanked the government and the people of Malaysia for the generous contribution that exemplified the spirit of south-south cooperation and also thanked Wisma Putra and the Malaysian High Commission for such efforts in making the fund and contribution a reality.

Furthermore, President Mbumba also sent a personal letter of appreciation to Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim acknowledging the invaluable support provided by Malaysia. 

-- BERNAMA