Desa Harapan to encourage better CSR programme
BINTULU: A new initiative named ‘Desa Harapan’ will be launched by the Ministry of Rural Development soon.
Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun regards this initiative as means to encourage those from the private sector to carry out their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes in a more structured and systematic way in the rural areas.
Speaking during a School Assistance Scheme ( SBP) programme here on Saturday, Rina also said the new initiative would serve as a platform for the people in the rural areas to improve their livelihood.
At the programme, RM11,059.10 in SBP funds were distributed to 300 students from local households under the B40 category – referring to the bottom, low-income 40 per cent of the Malaysian population.
Of the total amount, RM6,230.60 was presented to children from 25 primary schools, and RM4,828.50 to those from six secondary schools across Bintulu.
SBP is a CSR of Mara Education Foundation ( YPM) meant as an incentive to improve the academic performance of students.
Rina regarded the initiative, in the form of school supplies and cash aid, as ‘essential’ in order to help students from the middle and lower-income households, ensuring that they would receive the proper attention.
She also said the scheme would serve as a moral support to the children’s parents and guardians.
Additionally, the minister also presented Housing Programme for the Hardcore Poor ( PPRT) certificates to five individuals whose houses were destroyed by fire.
It is learnt that these PPRT units are slated for completion in March next year.
In this respect, Rina said her ministry would strive to have a more creative and innovative approach in terms of the construction of PPRT units, towards achieving lower cost without sacrificing the size and quality of each house.
Bintulu Education Office management unit head Dr Hamidah Mahmud and Mara Sarawak director Dr Azmi Amat Murjan witnessed the handover of the school aid.