KUALA LUMPUR: National carrier Malaysia Airlines Bhd has pledged to contribute RM1 from ticket sales of each passenger flown by the airline throughout the month of January to victims of the recent Taal volcano eruption in the Philippines.
In a statement today, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) chief executive officer Captain Izham Ismail said this was more than just a responsibility to support fellow Asean neighbours in their time of need.
The contribution, he said, is made possible with the strong support of Malaysia Airlines’ customers who have continued to fly with the airliner over the years.
“Malaysia Airlines enjoys strong relationship with the airline and airport communities in the Philippines since we began our operations into Manila back in 1974. Our pilots, including myself, attended the Philippine Aviation School which is located near Lake Taal for our first training.
“Despite coming from a foreign country, we were welcomed by the people of Luzon with their warm hospitality during our cadet years.
“My heart remains close to the Taal community as I know the difficulties they face there daily. Our thoughts and prayers are with them (the victims) always.”
The move follows an appeal by Manila Airport Operations Council (AOC) to airlines for support towards its “One for Taal” mission following the volcano eruption.
In response, MAG transported more than 15,000 inflight blankets for victims around the area. It also organised a donation drive among its employees to donate cash or collect essential items which will be channelled via the AOC among the 150,000 people who have been displaced and are now finding shelter at various evacuation centres.
The airline has also reached out to MERCY Malaysia, a local humanitarian organisation that provides medical and humanitarian services locally and abroad, to offer them with suitable travel arrangements, either by flying in volunteers or in assisting the transportation of emergency relief items should it be required.
“I am proud of the MAG family who have quickly come together to organise this donation drive, which truly reflects that generosity is part of Malaysian hospitality,” said Izham.