The offer to finance the reunion of families for Hari Raya was made by Malpak chairman Datuk Mohamad Salim Fateh Din. On the occasion, he said, “I wish to provide cash contributions to the less fortunate to help them prepare for the coming celebrations.”

One of the Pakistani nationals to receive flight ticket back to Pakistan said, “I’m grateful to Malaysia-Pakistan Business Council for showing this kind gesture towards me and other deserving fellow Pakistanis. I’m very excited that I’d be able to share the joys of this Eid with my loved ones back in Pakistan.”

Single mother Sannon Bibi Ramzan Mohamad, 64, from Tanjung Malim, Perak, said she was glad to be given the contribution as increasing prices made it difficult for her to buy household items. “The money will be used wisely as many products are expensive during the festive season.” Noor Aishah Noor Mohamad, 37, said the RM500 would go to her medical bills. “Being disabled because of a diabetic condition, my medical bills come up to RM700 a month.”

Also present on the occasion was Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Masood Khalid and wife Sonia Sunghee Song along with Salim’s wife, Datin Yasmin Ashraff.

On the legalisation and amnesty programme conducted by the Home Ministry, Masood said he had encouraged his fellow countrymen to come forward and register themselves with the council. “I applaud the government in carrying out this programme as it will help Malaysia in its development.”