The special telethon "Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine" which was organised by the state media, Public Service Media (PSM), under the directive of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, has generated over USD959,000, as tallied at 0115hrs. The telethon was held on June 12, from 0800hrs to 0000hrs.
For the telethon, a total of 13 charity boxes will be placed throughout Male' City, while fund boxes were also placed across nationwide, with the assistant of local Councils. Currently, efforts are in progress to tally the funds generated.
Providing insight on the telethon, Managing Director of PSM Zeena Zahir disclosed that although the coverage of the telethon has concluded, the opportunity to send funds online will be available until June 13, 1800hrs. She revealed that the deadline to submit funds was extended following the requests made by several individuals. Additionally, she affirmed that an independent auditor, Crowe Maldives, has been recruited to ensure the transparency of the telethon and to verify that the donations reach the intended beneficiaries
The telethon garnered significant support from President Dr. Muizzu, the Vice-President, ministers, state-owned enterprises, private companies, and the public. Inaugurating the telethon, the president emphasised the ongoing violence in Palestine transcends a mere bilateral conflict, impacting the broader Islamic Ummah. He called for proactive engagement from the entire Muslim community to advocate for rights and justice in such critical situations.
For the telethon, a total of 13 charity boxes will be placed throughout Male' City, while fund boxes were also placed across nationwide, with the assistant of local Councils. Two dedicated bank accounts have been set up to facilitate online fund deposits for those unable to use these boxes. The account number for MVR deposits is 7730000655865, and for US dollars, the account number is 7730000655866.
Crowe Maldives revealed that the tallying of funds was delayed due to the large sum of coins. The audit firm disclosed that over USD959,792 was generated by 0115hrs, with USD46,948 accumulated through local currency cash. It also stated that USD174.56 was collected from the fund boxes in terms of dollars and euros. Furthermore, while USD440,985 was transferred to the local account while USD33,950 was deposited to the dollar account designated to secure funds.
PSM unveiled some obstacles faced by individuals who tried to deposit funds online. It said that the issue was encountered due to multiple transfers to the same account simultaneously.
The funds raised through the telethon will be channelled to Palestinians with the assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and will be sent through a United Nations (UN) administrative body. Opportunities are open for all individuals interested in participating in the telethon.