Mapim to Build 1,000 Container Homes for Syrian Refugees

Syrian refugees pose in the container settlement.

Sepang, 06 Rabiul Akhir 1438/04 January 2017 (MINA) – The Malaysia Islamic Organisations Consultative Council (Mapim) with the cooperation of the Turkish government plans to build 1,000 container homes for Syrian refugees.

Mapim’s strategic director Sani Arabi Abd Halim said from the observations made, many of the refugee tents, which had been in use for three years now, were worn out and damaged.

“The refugee settlement, to be named Malaysia-Turkey Camp, will be built in February, and Mapim and Turkey will be the joint operators of the camp for three years,” he told the media upon arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport here Tuesdaay night.

Sani Arabi was quoted by freemalaysiantoday.com as saying Mapim viewed its role in helping the Syrian refugees as important as the conflict was expected to be more complicated with the involvement of big powers, including Iran and Russia.

“Mapim feels the conflict will continue for five to ten years more. Therefore, in early February, we also plan to set up the Malaysia-Turkey Humanitarian Aid Liaison Centre to offer aid to refugees there directly,” he said.

Sani Arabi and three other Mapim members left for Syria on Dec 27 to channel emergency aid to refugees bracing the cold winter.

He said this seventh mission could be considered a success as they were able to enter Aleppo in Syria a total number of four times to send clothes, blankets, heaters and medicines.

“While there, we found the towns in Aleppo, which used to have 10,000 to 20,000 residents each, to be deserted like ghost towns, with collapsed buildings everywhere,” he recalled.

However, he said, the aid this time was distributed to about 20,000 only, a small number compared to the 12 million refugees who are there.

Sani Arabi said Mapim targeted RM2 million could be collected from generous Malaysians before its second delegation, comprising 10 members, leave for Syria on Jan 15 to deliver more aid.

He said those wishing to contribute to the cause could channel their donations via Maybank account 5628 3463 6987 in the name of Syria Emergency Appeal Dana Mapim. T/RS05/RS01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)