MALAYSIA TO ASSIST MUSLIMS IN CAMBODIA

PHNOM PENH, July 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will provide aid to the Muslim
community in Cambodia through a micro-credit system to facilitate the community
to obtain loans for business.

Defence Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the system to be
established would be similar to the Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, a joint-venture
between Malaysia's non-governmental organization, Yayasan Restu with Cambodian
Islamic Development Foundation.

"I have discussed with Othsman Hassan, the President of the foundation to
create a system with a capital of USD1 million (RM3.2 million) and we are
looking for sponsors.

"I have also discussed with Yayasan Restu President, Abdul Latiff
Mirasa so that the building of the Cambodian Yayasan Restu is made the office
for its operation," he said when speaking at the opening of the Cambodian
Yayasan Restu office here Thursday.

He said to ensure that the desired objectives are met, a few individuals
from the local Muslim community have been identified and will be brought to
Malaysia to learn and manage the system.


He said with the system in place, it was hoped it would help the Muslim
community, especially those from the low income group, to start small business
to empower their living standard.

Towards this, Abdul Latiff said Yayasan Restu in Cambodia would ensure the
Muslim community was assisted and received appropriate support.

He said the organization’s office here would be a centre for training and
to gain knowledge on culture and Islam.

"By studying the community's culture here, Yayasan Restu will help train the
youths and adults seek more profound knowledge of their culture and the teaching
of Islam," he said.