SINGAPORE - A Muslim foundation has raised almost $290,000 in less than a week in aid of the recent catastrophic floods in eastern Malaysia.
Donations poured in swiftly from Singapore's Muslim community, through donation boxes placed in 68 local mosques from Dec 29 to Jan 2, though a few online donations came in later.
The cheque for $288,576 was officially presented to humanitarian organisation Islamic Relief Malaysia (IRM) on Friday at the Muhajirin Mosque.
The project was spearheaded by the local Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF), which funds humanitarian projects.
RLAF representative Mr Zainul Abidin Ibrahim said the amount collected for this cause was one of the highest the foundation has ever seen.
He added: "The close proximity of the disaster as well as the fact that we Singaporeans have a lot of family and friends affected by the floods could be the reason for the generous amount collected."
According to the IRM, the floods - which have devastated the coastal regions of Kelantan, Pahang, Terranganu and Perak - are the worst Malaysia has seen in 30 years. Recovery efforts are expected to continue for about a year.
