SEPANG: AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines (MAS) are sending their aircraft to help in the Government’s efforts to evacuate Malaysian students from Cairo to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.
AirAsia sent an A320 aircraft together with a group of Malaysians and foodstuff yesterday.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom is leading the team which comprises Tabung Haji CEO Datuk Ismee Ismail and AirAsia deputy CEO Datuk Kamaruddin Meranun.
Some 20 tonnes of foodstuff was also loaded into the plane. Jamil said he was instructed by the Prime Minister to go to Egypt, adding that Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was deeply concerned with the volatile situation there.
“I will help coordinate the evacuation and make sure everything runs smoothly,” he told reporters yesterday.
MAS Director of Operations Captain Mohamed Azharuddin Osman said a Boeing 747 aircraft would leave KL International Airport today.
The aircraft can accommodate up to 359 passengers and will make as many shuttle flights between Jeddah and Cairo as possible daily.
“We are preparing the aircraft, with our Operations and Technical crew to also be positioned at Jeddah,” he said.
“In addition to MAS and AirAsia’s efforts, NGO Malaysian Relief Agency (MRA) will be sending five relief volunteers to assist Malaysians who are waiting to be evacuated.
The team, led by MRA President Datuk Dr Abdul Razak Kechik left from KLIA to Cairo at 9.45pm via Singapore Airlines yesterday.
Upon arrival, the team will provide aid through health checkups, counselling for trauma and stress as well as assisting evacuees with their documentation.
The Star; 030211
Reports by MUGUNTAN VANAR, MAZWIN NIK ANIS, EMBUN MAJID, K.ASHRAF KAMMED, QISHIN TARIQ, RAHIMY RAHIM and PRIYA KULASAGARAN
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