KUALA LUMPUR - The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), in collaboration with the Home Ministry (KDN), is facilitating the issuance of Long-Term Social Visit Passes for Palestinians brought to Malaysia on Aug 16 for medical treatment.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said that these passes aim to provide legal documentation for the Palestinians during their stay in Malaysia until they can return to their homeland.
"This initiative mirrors the humanitarian programmes previously implemented for Syrians, Sudanese, and Yemenis by the Malaysian government," he said.
"Additionally, the Palestinian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur is also processing passport applications through authorities in Ramallah for those in need, with completion expected by mid-December, " he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was replying to a question from Senator Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz regarding the current status of 41 Palestinian patients and 86 accompanying family members brought from Egypt to access healthcare services.
Adly noted that out of the 41 patients, 40 have completed their treatment and have been relocated to Wisma Transit in Kuala Lumpur for temporary accommodation with their families while, one patient continues dialysis treatment at the Tuanku Mizan Armed Forces Hospital.
He emphasised that all the Palestinians will be repatriated once a ceasefire between Palestine and Israel is achieved, and their homeland is deemed safe and secure.
"Given the current security situation in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, the Malaysian government, with support from NGOs like the Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief (MAHAR), will continue humanitarian missions, including providing essentials such as food, water, and shelter," he added. - BERNAMA