Terengganu to provide more benefits for the poor
KUALA NERUS: More corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects will be initiated to improve the socio-economic standing of the less fortunate .
Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman said apart from handing out daging korban (sacrificial meat), several other benefits for the poor were in the pipeline.
“Among them are financial assistance for umrah or haj, people’s housing scheme, repairs for dilapidated homes, healthcare facilities for rehabilitation, haemodialysis and gymnasiums.
“These are part of CSR initiatives by the state government in collaboration with corporate companies, non-governmental organisations and non-government agencies,” said Razif at the “Perdana Sacrificial and Zakat Contribution” programme for the Seberang Takir state constituency at Kampung Seberang Takir here.
The programme was held in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha.
Razif, who is Seberang Takir state assemblyman, said facilities like gymnasiums were no longer an option but a necessity to keep people active and healthy.
“There is an increasing number of cases of diabetes, heart diseases and colon cancer nowadays.
“All these are attributed to our lifestyle and the food we consume.
“Therefore, health is a primary concern if we are to nurture a productive workforce,” he said.
Razif announced the setting up of a public haemodyalisis centre in Seberang Takir through the sponsorship of Petronas.
“The RM1.4 million facility will be supervised by the Health Ministry with minimal or no cost at all for the public, especially the hardcore poor.
“This is in view of the high cost of obtaining treatment at private haemodyalisis centres, which can cost as much as RM200 per session,” he said.
Razif also revealed that similar Hari Raya Aidiladha contributions were distributed to three other state assemblies — Bukit Tunggal, Teluk Pasu and Tepoh — via the sacrifice of 220 head of cattle in the Kuala Nerus parliamentary constituency.
“These are all part of the New Terengganu Transformation Plan to provide adequate jobs and housing, as well as to alleviate the cost of living of its people.
“The well-off are ever-willing to lend a hand to ease the burden of the less fortunate,” he said.