MALAYSIANS in Christchurch have started a fund to help three countrymen injured in Friday’s mosque shootings.

The fund will channel donations directly to the trio’s families, said the group, adding that the initiative is endorsed by the Malaysian High Commission in Wellington.

“The purpose of this fund is to immediately relieve the financial burden on the affected Malaysian families.

“These include, but are not limited to, Rahimi Ahmad, Mohd Tarmizi Shuib and Mohd Nazril Hisham Omar,” said the group in a brief statement.

Rahimi, Tarmizi and Nazril were praying at Al-Noor Mosque on Deans Avenue when a shooter opened fire during Friday prayers. The suspect also carried out an attack on Linwood Mosque nearby.

Fifty people were killed, and scores injured. Some victims are still missing, including Tarmizi’s 17-year-old son, Mohd Haziq.

The three Malaysians have undergone surgery to remove bullets.

This morning, Rahimi went in for another operation to remove bullet fragments from his spine.

Penang welfare exco Phee Boon Poh and Bayan Lepas assemblyman Azrul Mahathir Aziz, who are in Christchurch with Rahimi’s family, said the victim, who hails from the state, has another surgery scheduled for Wednesday.

“He also underwent a CT scan today. His condition is stable,” Azrul told Penang reporters via WhatsApp.

Donations can be made to the Christchurch Malaysian Relief Fund, through the ANZ A/C account number 06-0817-0689455-00.

The account, which is jointly managed by Malaysians Dr Ahmad Sufian Ab Rahman, Nor Aida Baharuddin and Wahidah Abdullah, will be opened until April 19.

They said no official receipts will be issued for the donations.

“As we are not an official organisation, we apologise in advance that no official receipts can be issued.”

Those with questions can contact Nor Aida at +6422-155-9397 or [email protected], and Wahidah at +6421-551-955 or [email protected]. – March 18, 2019.