(AFP) The government today stepped up its aid effort for Afghan refugees by pledging to despatch a navy support ship to Pakistan with humanitarian supplies.

Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said the ship would be able to carry more aid than military transport aircraft, as relief funds pour in from the government, newspaper campaigns and civic organisations.

The cabinet decided to bring in the navy at a meeting Wednesday and the journey by sea to Karachi port would take a week, he said, without giving the vessel's departure date.

Syed Hamid said the government had contributed a million US dollars (RM3.8 million) to buy food, clothing and medical supplies for thousands of Afghan refugees fleeing US strikes in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has condemned the September 11 terror attacks on the US, but criticises the military retaliation in Afghanistan, saying it will kill innocent people without stamping out terrorism.