Kota Kinabalu: Some 1,400 students benefitted from the Ziarah Kasih Ramadan and Kasih Prihatin – Back to School – I Care For You Programme in Tawau, Tuaran and Ranau, recently.
Mohd Hamdani Sahari, Deputy Director of the State Development Office, said the recipients in Tawau were divided into 120 students and 120 family heads registered in the e-Kasih system.
“The assistance is in the form of school supplies for students who will start school and cash aid for family heads in preparation for the Fasting Month.
“The assistance will help alleviate the financial load carried by the selected family heads,” he said.
He said that the State Development Office chose Kalabakan because it is located in the rural area, far from the city centre.
“Aid is distributed through outreach programmes, and some are sent to beneficiaries’ houses, particularly those who have problems travelling to the city,” he said.
For the record, the corporate social responsibility programme was conducted by the Prime Minister Department’s Implementation Coordination Unit since 2018 as a new initiative for people’s wellbeing with the goal of assisting targeted groups in severe need through the e-Kasih System.
In TUARAN, 500 children and teenagers aged five to 17 received free stationery and exercise books in conjunction with the programme at the Tuaran Futsal Arena, Kampung Lok Batik.
Chairman of Tuaran Youth Town Club (TYTC), Mohammad Ghazali Haji Hajiji, said the programme organised by TYTC also provided free haircut services.
“Usually the cost of cutting students’ hair at the shop is between RM7 and RM10, but they are given free services through this programme.”
He said the programme waa expected to help increase students’ interest in coming back to school. Also held were three categories of colouring competitions for ages six and under, seven to nine years and 10 to 12 years.
Asmah Maidin said the programme would reduce the burden of the less able and low-income families in providing school equipment for their children.
“In the recovery phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, this free service and assistance is much needed by less able parents”.
“I hope this programne continues every year,” she said.
In RANAU, more than 600 Form 4 and 5 students of SMK Mat Salleh Ranau attended the programme jointly organised by SMK Mat Salleh, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and Sabah Education Department (JPNS) in the School’s Main Hall, recently.
The programme was officiated by Sabah Deputy Police Commissioner DCP Datuk Jauteh Bin Dikun.
It included a lecture titled “Commercial Crime” delivered by ASP Helvin Ribus from IPD Ranau followed by a lecture titled ‘Hala Tuju Murid’ by Maradianah Binti Haji Ibno from JPNS.
Jauteh, in his speech, urged students to plan their own future wisely through concentration to acquire educational knowledge that is imparted by certified teachers at school who also provide students with positive knowledge for the future.
“We hope that the educational opportunities in the age of information technology can be used by students to advance to the ivory tower (University) as well as a foundation to build a perfect future life,” explained Jauteh who is also a former student and teacher of SMK Mat Salleh.
Jauteh also urged them to consider a career in the police force.
He said many do not like or even hate the police because they are seen to be busy taking down or arresting individuals or groups.
“The PDRM is firm and take action against those who committ criminal offences and others who violate the laws of the country,” he stressed.
Also speaking were Ranau District Education Officer, Barizah Binti Mohd. Kahar while also present were the Ranau District Police Chief, DSP Simiun Lomudin, PDRM Officers of various ranks from Ranau IPD, from Sabah IPK, teachers and PIBG Chairman of SMK Mat Salleh, J Sham Sundin.
Jauteh, accompanied by the Principal of SMK Mat Salleh, Boy Sharif Fuad, also visited the classrooms he used to sit in when he attended school at SMK Mat Salleh around the 1980s.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.