MALAYSIA has strongly condemned the killing and brutality against eight humanitarian workers from the Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisations (Mapim) who were killed in an airstrike in Gaza last Saturday.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his deep sorrow and outrage over the tragic deaths, stating that the government has officially issued a strong protest against the ongoing violence in Gaza and Palestine.
“We strongly condemn the killing and brutality against the Mapim volunteers who were carrying out humanitarian work, helping patients and others in need," Anwar told reporters after chairing a Special State Development Meeting in George Town today.
He added the government remains firm in its stance against the continuing violence, highlighting the importance of global attention on the situation. "The government has officially issued a strong protest against the ongoing violence."
Yesterday, Mapim’s Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby, confirmed the deaths of the eight Palestinian workers, who were martyred in an airstrike at 1:30 pm (local time) in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza, last Saturday.
The airstrike occurred while the workers were setting up tents to shelter families displaced by the ongoing attacks from the Israeli regime. The victims were identified as Mahmoud Yahya Al-Sarraj, Bilal Hossam Oqeila, Mahmoud Samir Oselim, Mahmoud Khaled Oselim, Mohammed Al-Ghafeer, Hazem Ghareeb, Bilal Abu Matar, and Ahmad Hamad.
Earlier, Anwar chaired a Special Penang Development Meeting at the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) office in George Town as part of his visit to the state today.
Bernama cited that he arrived at 3.35pm and was welcomed by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and PDC chief executive officer Datuk Aziz Bakar.
Also present were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican, Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) director-general Datuk Seri Sollehuddin Alyubi Zakaria and Penang state executive councillors.
The one-hour meeting was expected to discuss various development plans and strategic projects in Penang to meet the needs of people in the state.
Among the projects on the agenda are the Penang Hill Cable Car, the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT), the Bakat Baru MADANI Affordable Housing (RMM) initiative, the expansion of Penang International Airport (LTAPP) and the Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3.
Following the meeting, the Prime Minister is scheduled to officially open the new Masjid Jamek Perai in Seberang Perai Tengah before visiting the Ramadan Bazaar at Bandar Tasek Mutiara, Simpang Ampat.
His visit will conclude with the MADANI state-level Iftar event at Masjid Abu Ubaidah Ibni Al-Jarrah, Bandar Tasek Mutiara, at 6.45 pm.
Anwar is expected to depart for the federal capital from LTAPP tonight. – March 18, 2025
