MAPIM And Turkey To Build 1,000 Container Homes For Syrian Refugees

SEPANG (Selangor, Malaysia), Jan 4 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Islamic Organisations Consultative Council (Mapim) with the cooperation of the Turkish government plans to build 1,000 container homes for the refugees in Syria. Mapim's Strategic director, Sani Arabi Abd Halim (front, second from right) said from the observations made, many of the refugee tents which had been in use since three years ago were now worn out and damaged, therefore unsuitable in terms of privacy and cleanliness. "The refugee settlement, to be named Malaysia-Turkey Camp, will be built beginning in February, and Mapim and Turkey will be the joint operators of the camp for three years," he told the media upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, here, Tuesday night. Sani Arabi said Mapim viewed its role in helping the Syrian refugees as important as the conflict was expected to be more complicated with the involvement of the 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 give aid to the refugees there directly," he said. Sani Arabi and three other Mapim members had left for Syria on Dec 27 to channel emergency aid to the refugees who are facing the cold winter now. He said this seventh mission could be considered successful as they managed to enter Aleppo in Syria four times to send aid like 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 only left and gunshot marks everywhere," he recalled. However, he said, the mission this time managed to bring aid to only about 20,000 refugees compared to the number that had risen to 12 million. "The situation there was made worse by the cold weather until -6 degrees Celsius, plus rain, thick mist and snow, with insufficient food and medical supplies and other basic necessities," he said. Sani Arabi said Mapim targeted RM2 million (US$444,493) to be collected from generous Malaysians before its second delegation comprising 10 members would leave for Syria on Jan 15 to bring aid to the refugees. 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. Mapim secretary-general Zulhanis Zainol (left) welcomed the arrival of the mission. (photoBERNAMA) -- BERNAMA