Malaysia Airlines channels assistance to Australian bush fire victims

KLIA, 7 January 2020 – Malaysia Airlines together with its sister companies under the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) today pledged to contribute MYR1 from ticket sales of each passenger flown by the airline for the month of January 2020, in assistance to Australia that has been hit by the worst wildfires seen in decades. The airline is also working with the National Disaster Relief Management Agency (NADMA) Malaysia, to fly in volunteers if required by the Australian government.

MAG Group Chief Executive Officer, Captain Izham Ismail expressed his concern on the escalating bush fire that has ravaged many parts of Australia, forcing several areas to be declared state of emergency. “Malaysia Airlines is a global company that operates in 20 countries around the world. Australia has always been close to our hearts, having had one of our earliest cadet pilot and engineer trainings there. The Australian government had also provided us various forms of assistance during our time of difficulty.

Our employees in Australia and their families are saddened by the situation and our other employees globally who share their sorrow, have been asking how they can help to ease the situation. Due to the severity of the situation, Malaysia Airlines have decided to make a monetary contribution in addition to supporting NADMA in their aid on behalf of the country. It has been reported that the fires have generated violent weather, which can influence regional and global climate. We are committed to not just limit our assistance in the form of monetary, but we have also initiated discussions with various organisations that can offer skills and expertise in the recovery of the ecosystems.”

The airline has been in touch with the Australian High Commission in Malaysia to channel the proceeds towards wildlife protection, the fire fighter benevolent fund and Red Cross, the major organisation managing the affected people.

“We pray that the situation can be contained very soon. We sincerely hope that our contribution will help ease some of the burden of the Australian people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and the families of those who perished in the fires,” added Capt Izham.

Malaysia Airlines flies to five cities in Australia (Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth) and operates 53 flights a week to the country.