Malaysia to send aid to Sulawesi

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) will send aid, including manpower, materials and food items for earthquake and tsunami victims in Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Deputy Minister Senator Datuk Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad Baharuddin Shah said the ministry was still monitoring the situation and the damage caused by the disaster.

“We’re still monitoring because the report is still incomplete and communication is cut off. We can’t fully trust the images posted on social media. We need more information before we can take the next step.

“We’re ready to consider any request from Sulawesi. We’re the nearest neighbouring country and we’ll be one of the first nations to send aid.

“In a few days’ time, we might get a clearer picture of the situation there and we’ll be sending not just manpower but also materials and food items. We will also help with repair works,” he said after launching the state’s Water Activities Safety Awareness Campaign in Pulau Warisan here today.

Media reported that almost 400 people were killed when a major earthquake followed by a tsunami hit Indonesian city of Palu on Sulawesi island yesterday.

Authorities were faced with a challenge to coordinate rescue efforts after the 7.5 magnitude earthquake caused major electricity outages throughout Palu.

Source: NewStraitsTimes