Bringing joy to the less fortunate
THE movement control order (MCO) did not stop Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) from reaching out to the underprivileged to spread some Raya cheer.
Through ‘Prihatin’, its annual donation drive, the varsity distributed food and duit raya to 190 families from 30 villages surrounding its Parit Raja and Pagoh campuses in Johor.
Noting that the pandemic has left many in difficult financial situations, UTHM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Wahid Razzaly said there are many disadvantaged families nationwide - especially in rural areas - who need as much aid as they can get.
“The donation drive was held to lessen the burden of the families and bring them some joy during these hard times.
“UTHM, together with the generous donors and help from our students and staff, took the initiative to raise funds for those in need.
“Personal donations, which ranged between RM1 to RM1,000, show that there are many who care for the needy.”
‘UTHM Prihatin 2020’ director Assoc Prof Dr Nik Hisyamudin Muhd Nor said the programme which has been conducted for almost a decade, aimed to provide relief, assistance and a little bit of joy to the less fortunate.
Even though the Covid-19 pandemic has affected everyone in the country in one way or another, UTHM did not forget about the welfare of the disadvantaged.
“This year’s programme was carried out in accordance with the Health Ministry’s SOPs. Those involved were vigilant in ensuring social distancing was practised,” he said, thanking donors and volunteers who made the programme a success.