PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia yesterday contributed US$100,000 (about RM413,000) to Laos for the victims of the massive flash floods caused by the collapse of a dam last month.
Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah handed over the contribution to the Ambassador of Laos to Malaysia, Houmdaphone Soukhaseum, at Wisma Putra here.
Saifuddin, in his remarks, said Malaysia was saddened by the tragedy, and the small assistance was a mark of solidarity from the people of Malaysia to the people of Laos as the two countries were ASEAN member states.
“Malaysia hopes that the contribution will assist Laos to facilitate its relief efforts and, more importantly, to restore the damaged basic necessities in a speedy manner,” he said.
The massive flash floods caused by the collapse of the Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy Dam in Attepeu Province resulted in 39 people killed and more than 7,000 displaced or made homeless.
The incident also caused vast destruction of property and affected the livelihood of the people in the vicinity. – Bernama
