M'sian govt to donate RM3m to three African countries affected by Ebola

‎PUTRAJAYA: The government will donate RM3 million in aid to three African countries that are still affected by Ebola, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.
The assistance will consist of medical equipment needed to treat and prevent Ebola cases in Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, where 6,373 out of the 17,908 infected people have died as of Dec 7, he added.
"Malaysia have already donated 20.9 million pairs of gloves to five affected countries, the Cabinet decided that it is only appropriate that we increase the amount of aid channelled to the three countries still affected," he told reporters at the Health Ministry yesterday.
He said the aid would be channeled through a Malaysia-based international non-governmental organisation (NGO), MERCY Malaysia.
"The Malaysian government collaborating with MERCY will be identifying the areas where help is most needed with the respective local governments so the aid can be optimised in its use," he said.
He also acknowledged there will be some increase in medical costs in the public and private sectors with the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax next year.
However, he said the ministry was discussing with the Customs Department on how they could accommodate healthcare.
He also clarified the government had placed a moratorium in recognising colleges from all countries including Malaysia and not just on Taiwanese or Chinese colleges as reported in the Chinese press.