Trust board disburses RM141,000 in aid to students from low-income families

MIRI: A total of 662 primary and secondary students from Chinese independent schools here received education aid amounting to RM141,000 yesterday.

The aid was the effort of Miri Chinese Charitable Trust Board to reach out to children from lowincome families by providing financial assistance.

Board chairman Temenggong Datuk Seri Lee Sie Tong said being a non-profit organisation gazetted by the Sarawak government and entrusted to take care of the charity of the Chinese community here, it has always been aware of the needs of those who require financial aid.

“This education fund for needy families was established years ago by the board in the hope of easing the financial burden of the parents.

“Of course, we always encourage the students to work hard in their studies and be good citizens who will contribute to the community and country in future,” he said during the aid disbursement ceremony.

The ceremony, attended by guests and parents, saw 245 primary and 417 secondary students each receive RM150 and RM250, respectively.

He added that the board has 10 committee members who manage Miri Tua Pek Kong Temple, Miri Home for the Aged as well as the cemeteries at Sungai Krokop, Riam Road and Lambir.

He also revealed that the board had disbursed RM80,000 each to Pei Min Middle School and Riam Road Secondary School.

Among those who attended the ceremony were Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting and Mayor Adam Yii.

Kim Shin, in his speech, lauded the board for its tireless efforts in supporting Chinese independent schools in Miri.

“Despite working voluntarily without receiving any salary or allowance, they still strive to look for various means to ensure that the education aid will continue to be given out to those in need,” he said.

In return, the assistant minister reminded the students to make good use of the aid by purchasing books, stationeries and other needed items for their studies.

He also called on parents to always emphasise to their children the importance of education as it is the key to future success.