MALAYSIAN ASTRONAUT TO JOIN "RAMADAN IN GAZA" MISSION

KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Astronaut Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha will be among at least 26 people joining the "Ramadan in Gaza" humanitarian mission for 10 days from Aug 15.

Malaysian Islamic Organisation Consultative Council chairman Dr Jamnul Azhar Mulkan said today that the team would bring medicine, food and surgical equipment to hospitals in Gaza.

"We are aware that Gaza is short of these items and hospitals lack
gynaecologists and equipment for maternity ward. Therefore we are
planning to build a Malaysian Hospital in Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza," he told a press conference here.

He said the hospital would cost RM140 million (US$46.989 million).

Dr Jamnul also invited the public and media practitioners to join the humanitarian mission.

"We already have 26 members and there are 12 more empty seats. Those interested can contact me as soon as possible and the fee is RM6,880 per person. They are also required to bring additional US$1,000 to be contributed to Gaza," he said.
--BERNAMA