KOTA BHARU: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has donated essential items to the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) personnel and veterans as well as Defence Ministry civilian staff affected by the recent floods.

       Senior Minister of Defence Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said a total of 3,000 MAF personnel involving 775 families were affected by the floods.

       He said the contribution not only proved the concern of the UAE government but also highlighted the long-standing close ties between the two countries.

       "The essential items include 2,000 prayer mats, 4,000 towels, 4,000 bedsheets, 4,000 blankets and 4,000 pillows," he said after visiting the 8th Infantry Brigade headquarters in Pengkalan Chepa here on Thursday (Dec 30).

       Hishammuddin also thanked the UAE government for always being a close friend to Malaysia.

       Hishammuddin said that the Ministry had so far managed to collect flood relief aid amounting to RM3.7 million, including cash and basic necessities.

       The contributions were from the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT), Affin Bank, Boustead Group, Pharmaniaga and Sapura Group.

       "The donations will be fully utilised to ease the burden of not only MINDEF personnel and civilian staff, but also I personally want to focus on helping MAF veterans affected by floods that hit several states," he said. - Bernama