RM1 at a time: Malaysians unite to support Gaza with ‘Iftar 4 Gaza’
Organisers said the campaign would run until the end of Syawal 1447H, with plans to conduct the first air-drop mission as proof of concept before Ramadan, subject to final official approvals.
SHAH ALAM – Can one ringgit make a difference in Gaza?
Organisers of the "Iftar 4 Gaza" initiative believe it can, as long as many Malaysians are willing to give just RM1 to help ease the daily hunger faced by civilians trapped in the besieged enclave.
Now in its fourth week, the grassroots campaign marked a milestone on Thursday with a cheque handover ceremony at Dewan Karangkraf, Karangkraf Complex, here, signalling growing institutional backing for a mission that prioritises basic sustenance over symbolism.
Pertubuhan Hati Suci president and social activist Muhammad Zaidi Zainuddin said the initiative was deliberately designed to be simple, affordable and inclusive, stressing that the concept of iftar in Gaza carried a very different meaning from its traditional association with Ramadan.
"In Gaza, iftar does not mean Ramadan. People there are hungry every day. Eating itself becomes an act of survival.
"They are not asking for tasty food. They only want something to stop the hunger. That is why we chose RM1, it is affordable, low-risk and allows everyone to take part, including schoolchildren," he said.
Zaidi said the campaign was never about providing lavish meals, but about ensuring that basic food reached those most in need through a transparent and verifiable system.
He said all donations are channelled through a dedicated QR code labelled Iftar for Gaza, rather than under the name of any individual, mosque or organisation, as a safeguard to public trust.
"When the mission is completed, the account will be closed. We will disclose how much was collected and how much was delivered. This is about restoring confidence in humanitarian giving," he added.
He explained that air-drop delivery was selected after studying various humanitarian routes, noting that several countries had successfully adopted the same approach to bypass land access restrictions.
"This may seem unconventional in Malaysia, but air-drops allow aid to reach Gaza faster and more directly. We want to show that public donations can reach the ground transparently," he said.
Zaidi said the organisers are initially aiming to distribute 100,000 food packs to support a proof-of-concept air-drop mission ahead of Ramadan, noting that early fundraising is critical due to the need for cross-border logistical approvals.
At the event, Pertubuhan Hati Suci also signed a memorandum of understanding with Madani Research Centre, represented by its chief executive officer Mohd Azmi Mat Nayan, and received a RM5,000 contribution. Donations were also received from Persatuan Peneraju Progresif (RM5,000) and HS Spirulina (RM1,000).
Karangkraf Sdn Bhd chief corporate communications officer Nik Justin Nik Ariffin said the media group agreed to become a strategic partner to help rebuild public confidence in humanitarian fundraising.
"Negative perceptions caused by a few bad cases have damaged the entire ecosystem of giving.
"We believe this initiative deserves support because it is credible, studied and transparent," he said.
Nik Justin added that Karangkraf and Sinar Harian would help amplify the campaign among the public and corporate sectors.
"When institutions step forward, public confidence will follow. This has to move from the top down," he added.
In the meantime, Azmi said supporting Gaza was consistent with the Madani government’s humanitarian values.
"We should be competing to do good.
"This programme has clearly been thought through, including how aid will reach Gaza through cooperation between governments," he said, adding that Ramadan was not only about worship, but also expanding compassion beyond national borders.
Persatuan Peneraju Progresif president Mohd Firdaus Elias described the initiative as a meaningful avenue for Malaysians to contribute, regardless of financial capacity.
"When we see babies being killed and families suffering, it is heartbreaking. Even if the amount is small, at least we are doing something," he said.
Organisers said the campaign would run until the end of Syawal 1447H, with plans to conduct the first air-drop mission as proof of concept before Ramadan, subject to final official approvals.
Donations can be made to Maybank account 5624 7823 2717 (Pertubuhan Hati Suci), while enquiries may be directed to iftar4gaza1447h@gmail.com
Pertubuhan Hati Suci, a registered non-governmental organisation accredited by the Selangor Zakat Board, has assured donors that 100 per cent of funds collected will be channelled directly to aid delivery.
The organisation plans to close the campaign account upon completion, conduct an audit and publish a full financial report.
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