Four Asean Countries Receive Donation For Flood Relief

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 21 (Bernama) -- Four Asean countries severely affected by recent floods in the region received US$100,000 (about RM316,000) each from the Malaysian government on Wednesday. On behalf of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, Foreign Affairs Minister Anifah Aman presented cheques to the ambassadors of Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and the Philippines, at a ceremony here. Malaysia is proud to belong to a culture where members of Asean have always been helpful to one another in times of need, Anifah said in his speech. "It is a social obligation of utmost importance for the Malaysian government to lend a hand and offer assistance to Asean neighbouring countries, within our means and capabilities," he said. Malaysia hopes the contribution will help ease the burden of the four governments in their efforts to rehabilitate and reconstruct provincial areas badly affected by the destructive floods. Princess Samdech Reach Botrei Preah Anoch Norodom Arunsamy represented Cambodia, U Tin Lat represented Myamnar, Laos by Khamphan Anlavan and the Philippines by Jose Eduardo E. Malaya III. More than 1,000 people in the region have died in floods recently, the latest in the Philippines, and property damage to roads, schools, and bridges is expected to reach billions of ringgit. -- BERNAMA Malaysia