YPN, palm oil industry players contribute RM5.95m

KUALA LUMPUR: Tabung Harapan Malaysia yesterday received RM650,000 from the National Patriot Foundation (YPN).

YPN chief executive officer Muhammad Zharif Johor said the donations were from the “Demi Pembangunan Negara” (For The Country’s Development) campaign, a collective effort between YPN, its members and strategic partners.

He said the foundation had initially aimed to collect RM250,000.

“We started the donation drive by giving RM50,000 on July 1 to show our commitment. In no time, the amount collected has surpassed our target and we believe this is the biggest amount that Tabung Harapan has ever received,” he said.

The cheque was presented to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad at Yayasan Selangor here yesterday.

Present were YPN strategic partners from Asia-Pacific Platinum Business Club, Datuk Seth Yap Ting Hau and Dr Cecil Chao.

In Putrajaya, four major players in the palm oil industry also contributed RM5.3 million to the fund.

IOI Corporation Bhd and Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd (KLK) each contributed RM2 million, while Sime Darby Plantation Bhd and Sarawak Oil Palm Bhd donated RM1 million and RM300,000, respectively.

The companies presented their contributions to Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok at her ministry yesterday.

Present were IOI Group chief executive officer Datuk Lee Yeow Chor, KLK chief executive officer Tan Sri Lee Oi Hian, Sime Darby Plantation managing director Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh and Sarawak Oil Palms Bhd chief executive officer Paul Wong Hee Kwong.

Kok said the government was pleased with the contributions by various quarters, including individuals and corporate companies.

“Today, we have big companies in the palm oil industry who contributed. Thank you for your sincerity, especially in helping the country during this difficult time. This attitude reflects the true spirit of Malaysians,” she said.

Kok said the palm oil industry had always played an important role in the country’s economic development, especially in eradicating poverty and socio-economic restructuring.

Tabung Harapan was set up on May 30 to enable Malaysians to channel funds to help the government with its RM1 trillion debt.

It had collected more than RM153 million. Contributions can be channelled to Maybank account 5660 1062 6452.