President: Aid by Alibaba's Jack Ma to Maldives will reach Singapore tomorrow

Alibaba's founder and China's richest man Jack Ma.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced that the aid offered by Alibaba’s founder and China’s richest man, Jack Ma is set to arrive in the Maldives via Singapore.

The aid offered by Jack Ma is to assist the situation with Covid-19 in the country. President Solih stated that he had been informed by the Chinese ambassador to the Maldives that the aid was ready.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is pictured speaking at a press conference on March 25, 2020. At the conference, President announced that easements are to be brought to internet services in the country in light of the situation with the Covid-19 virus. (Photo/President's Office)

“I spoke with the Chinese ambassador today. He said that things needed for the Maldives are ready as well as the aid by the CEO of Alibaba. The ambassador stated that the aid will reach Singapore tomorrow.” Said president Solih.

Jack Ma made the announcement to provide aid to South Asian countries, including the Maldives on March 20. He added that there were difficulties faced in transporting the aid.

Go Asia! We will donate emergency supplies (1.8M masks, 210K test kits, 36K protective suits, plus ventilators & thermometers) to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan & Sri Lanka. Delivering fast is not easy, but we'll get it done!
— Jack Ma (@JackMa) March 21, 2020

The ambassador had informed that the current travel restrictions were delaying the aid, according to President Solih who added that in case of an emergency, it was hoped that the aid would be transported by a flight.

By Ahmedulla Abdul Hadi

Journalist