ATM PREPARES 16,000 AIDILFITRI GIFT BAGS WITH OVER RM2 MLN IN CONTRIBUTIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) has received more than RM2 million in contributions from 50 individual and corporate donors for the preparation of  16,000 Aidilfitri gift bags for personnel serving both locally and abroad.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the contributions comprised RM1.8 million in cash and RM254,000 worth of goods.

He said the initiative continues the tradition of providing Aidilfitri gift bags containing festive cookies, traditional delicacies and daily essentials to ATM personnel.

“Our national heroes continue to serve with dedication, loyalty and sincerity. It is important for us to express our appreciation, support and remembrance for those who will be on duty during Hari Raya,” he said at a ceremony to present Aidilfitri contributions to ATM here today.

His speech text was delivered by Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari. Also present was Chief of Defence Force Gen Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman.

Mohamed Khaled said the initiative is expected to ease the longing felt by personnel who must be away from their families while carrying out duties, including safeguarding national borders and participating in international peacekeeping missions.

Meanwhile, ATM said in a statement that the donated items had been collected since February and packed in phases with the involvement of its personnel.

It said the final 400 bags were completed by members of the Armed Forces Family Welfare Association (BAKAT) on Feb 27 as a symbol of care and support for personnel celebrating Syawal away from their families.

-- BERNAMA