Trust fund set up for burn survivor
Amanah Raya will take care of Elizabeth’s educational and medical needs
KUCHING: Amanah Raya Bhd has set up a trust fund for 15-year-old burn survivor Elizabeth Elida Edward.
The trust deed was finalised after a discussion involving the public trustee, Elizabeth and her mother M Murni J Muteh yesterday.
Elizabeth, who was also given art supplies, a laptop and a smartphone, was over the moon.
“I’m happy and excited to have received the trust fund, gifts and contributions from the public,” said Elizabeth, who survived a home fire 13 years ago with severe burns, inhalation injuries and several deformities.
“My advice to others is to ignore negative things said about you. There are many more people who care than those who don’t.
“So when you’re down, think about all the people who love and care about you,” she said.
Amanah Raya has donated RM5,000 to start the trust fund and aims to raise RM100,000 in the next three months, said its managing director Adenan Md Yusof.
“The objective of the trust fund is for her to have a bright future. The money will be for her education and medical needs. We will invest the money competitively for her future education and medical needs.
“We will do our best to grow the money. As a Government entity, we have no (vested) interest in the fund and will manage it with utmost accountability,” he said, adding that the lifespan of the trust fund was 60 years.
Elizabeth, a Form Three student at SMK Wira Penrissen here, will receive a monthly stipend for her medical, education and daily needs.
Adenan read about Elizabeth’s story, which was published in The Star on Oct 2, and got his team to work on setting up the fund.
Padawan Municipal Council chairman Lo Khere Chiang, in welcoming the CSR initiative by Amanah Raya, said he was touched by how Malaysians are helping Elizabeth.
“You have shown that we can all do something for the less fortunate. I’d like to encourage more people and organisations to follow Amanah Raya, which has given new hope to Elizabeth,” said the Batu Kitang assemblyman, who also donated RM1,000 to the fund. Murni, 42, said she was grateful for the aid. “I am speechless. I’d like to thank everyone who helped to contribute to my daughter,” said Murni, a single mother who works as a driver.
Elizabeth, a budding writer, received an Acer Swift 1 laptop courtesy of Acer Sales and Services Sdn Bhd.
“We want to inspire her and support her dream of becoming a writer. We’re moved by her spirit of not giving up and we want her to achieve her dreams,” said Acer Kuching branch manager Wong Ho Lock, who presented the laptop to Elizabeth.
She also received a Samsung Galaxy A5 smartphone from 4Fingers Crispy Chicken, a Singaporean chain of fast casual restaurants.
“We hope this little gift will be useful for her to document her journey.
“We just wanted to brighten her day a little and wish her all the best in whatever she chooses to do,” said senior marketing manager Jayss Rajoo.
As account trustee, Amanah Raya trust funds protect beneficiaries, especially minors and the disabled.
Contributions to Elizabeth’s trust fund can be sent to Maybank account 564155557121 under Amanah Raya Berhad For Tabung Kebajikan Elizabeth.
The public started contributing to the fund after it was set up last week. Those with enquiries can call 1-800-88-ARB (272).