MALAYSIANS have donated more than RM31 million to Tabung Harapan Malaysia as of 3pm today, the Finance Ministry announced.

The fund has collected RM31,440,410.13 to date.

Yesterday, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng received RM1 million each from Ewein Bhd, Magni-Tech Bhd and tycoon Tan Kok Ling.

Tabung Harapan was started after social media users said they wanted to raise funds to help the government repay its RM1 trillion debt.

Lim said the donations were a way for people to show their “passion” for the country, when asked if the donation drive would give the wrong impression about the country’s financial situation.

Finance Ministry special officer and Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming said the fund was started to prevent fraud, while prominent economist and member of the Council of Eminent Persons Jomo Kwame Sundaram said donors were contributing as an act of patriotism.

The fund has also received support from some organisations. 

Malindo Air pledged to donate RM1 from the sale of every domestic flight ticket from June 1 to August 31. 

The Malaysian Trades Union Congress and the Council of Churches Malaysia have also urged workers and churches to donate. – June 4, 2018.