KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian search-and-rescue teams assisting earthquake victims in Turkiye were given special recognition in the Dewan Rakyat today by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who paid tribute to the professionalism displayed by the personnel.
Addressing the lower House, the Pakatan Harapan chairman proposed offering service medals and special allowances to those involved in the rescue efforts, with the appropriate amount to be discussed with the treasury soon.
“Our team has performed their duties and services extraordinarily. And I would like to use this Parliament floor to show how much we are indebted to them,” he said following his return from Turkiye.
Anwar said leaders he spoke to there, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, had all spoken highly of the Malaysian rescue teams.
“They said we were among the first to arrive, had given excellent service, saved five lives, and retrieved hundreds of dead bodies.”
Presently, close to 200 Malaysian rescue personnel are at ground zero, comprising members of the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team, Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force, Malaysian Armed Forces, and non-governmental organisations.
The massive earthquake that devastated major parts of Turkiye and Syria earlier this month has so far killed more than 41,000, with the figure expected to climb further as rescue efforts continue.
Anwar said during his visit and chats with the Malaysian rescue personnel that he was impressed by their professionalism, with none complaining of fatigue, despite working under unfavourable winter conditions.
“Not a single one of them complained about being tired or the food. Instead, they expressed gratitude to God for allowing them to serve.
“That is why I was inclined to share my view here in Parliament to show that all the MPs feel the need to express our gratitude to them.”
Meanwhile, Anwar also thanked those who had donated to help Turkiye and Syria, noting that around RM50 million in total has been collected and distributed.
Among the biggest contributors, according to the prime minister, are Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd which pledged RM23.5 million in assistance, Yayasan Albukhary (RM10 mil), the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (RM4.4 mil), and Brahim’s Dewina Group.
Anwar also noted that the government has announced an RM4.4 million donation, and the cabinet will discuss possibly adding to the amount tomorrow. – The Vibes, February 16, 2023
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