KUALA LANGAT, April 25 (Bernama) — The involvement of artistes and social media influencers as icons of humanitarian organisations is not solely for promotional purposes but to ensure that donations raised go to the intended recipients.
Cinta Syria Malaysia (CSM) chief executive officer Ahmad Musa Al-Nuwayri Kamaruzaman said the method was also adopted by his non-governmental organisation (NGO), which was established in 2013 in Mafraq, Jordan.
He said it was a good way to convince the public that CSM was transparent when the icons shared about the humanitarian aid missions they participated on their respective social media platforms.
“These icons take part in the missions at their own expense. The icons do not receive any payment because they come as volunteers.
“We want all the donations, especially from Malaysians, to be properly used for the education and welfare of Syrian refugees,” he told Bernama after the CSM Nur Kasih Iftar ceremony, here last night.
Several big names in the country’s music industry such as Ahmad Faizal Mohammad Tahir (Faizal Tahir), Mohammad Noh Salleh (Noh Salleh) and Shazrina Azman (Mizz Nina) have been appointed as CSM icons.
Ahmad Musa said since its inception, about RM5 million in donations earmarked for the education of Syrian children had been channelled to Syrian refugees in Jordan and Malaysia as well as in the country itself.
To date, about 5,000 Syrian children have been given the opportunity to continue their education at KITA School developed by CSM in Syria, Jordan and Bangi, Selangor, he added.
Meanwhile, he said an internal audit of funds and donations received by CSM would be conducted soon to ensure transparency and give confidence to the public.
Formerly known as Tangisan Syria di Bumi Jordan (TSDBJ) which was officially registered as an NGO in 2014, was established to help Syrian refugees in Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon and Malaysia, especially in the field of education.
Those who wish to donate to CSM can do so though Maybank account number 562834640983 or visit www.cintasyriamalaysia.com.
— BERNAMA
