The Malaysian Government decided to donate US$1.5 million to the earthquake victims in China, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

"The Cabinet today has decided to contribute US$1.5 million due to the catastrophic earthquake in the People's Republic of China," the ministry said in a press release.

"This contribution is made in solidarity between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of the People's Republic of China and out of concern of the catastrophic earthquake that has thus far claimed 21,500 lives and property damages," it said.

The contribution will be delivered as soon as possible to China through its Ambassador in Kuala Lumpur, it added.

The ministry also confirmed that a group of 26 Malaysian tourists and a Malaysian tour guide, who were reported missing since the earthquake hit southwest China on May 12, have been found safe and are now in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province.

The Consulate General of Malaysia is undertaking the necessary steps to return them safely to Malaysia.

(Xinhua News Agency May 17, 2008)