KUALA LUMPUR: Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib have donated USD100,000 each to the earthquake victims of Turkey and Syria.
Senior private secretary to the Governor of Sarawak, Datuk Mustapa Han on behalf of both Taib and Raghad handed over the donation to Turkey’s Deputy Head of Mission in Kuala Lumpur, Sinan Cem Bas at Turkey’s embassy at Menara Tan & Tan in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday (Feb 14).
Mustapa also handed over the donation on behalf of both Taib and his wife Raghad, to Syria’s Charge de ’Affair to Malaysia Mohd Ghiath Ibrahim at the Syrian embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
In their messages to both countries, Taib and his wife, conveyed their deepest condolences to both countries over the loss of thousands of innocent lives, including those who are still missing.
“On behalf of the people of Sarawak, I would like to invoke the mercy of Allah for the much-needed consolation, that although we are physically far apart, but we are very much united in prayers to both your government and your people during this trying time,” said Taib.
He reiterated that he would continue to pray for the well-being of both countries and those who were badly affected.
“Once again, our utmost condolences to both your countries and your people for such a great loss. And at the same time, we do hope for miracles that those who are still lost and missing would be found,” added Taib.
On Feb 6, earthquakes which measured 7.8 and 7.5 on the Richter scale struck southern Turkey and northern Syria respectively and destroyed thousands of homes and buildings and injured tens of thousands of people.
It was reported that Turkey’s death toll had reached more than 30,000 while in Syria, more than 3,000 and the number of fatalities continue to rise.
