TEACHER’S FAME PUTS SCHOOL IN SPOTLIGHT
Well-wishers offer help, aid after Saidin’s story went viral
T.N. ALAGESH KUANTAN news@nst.com.my
UNPERTURBED by the instant fame he earned after an article about him riding his motorcycle 130km to school everyday went viral on Tuesday, teacher Ahmad Saidin Mohd Idris is grateful that the Orang Asli community in Pos Lenjang can look forward to better times.
While the New Straits Times article showing Saidin riding through a muddy road has made the 40-year-old famous, it has also put SK Lenjang in the spotlight with well-wishers offering their assistance.
Saidin, who was posted to the school in 2013, said he was “shocked and delighted” with the sudden fame, as many people had called to ask how they could help him, the teachers and the students.
“It’s like a dream but I will continue to perform my duties as a teacher. I never expected the news to gain such popularity but I am glad that people are promising aid to bring improvements to SK Lenjang.
“Several people have contacted me to offer their assistance, including donations and school items.
“Some volunteered to come to the school to conduct programmes with the students and Orang Asli,” he said yesterday.
Saidin said it would be good if those who wished to help could drop by SK Lenjang so that they could see for themselves and decide what was the best thing to do.
“I know it is quite a distance to reach the school.
“However, I believe once the road is repaired, everything will fall into place as it will be easier for motorists to travel to Pos Lenjang.”
Meanwhile, Good Samaritans, after reading about the challenges that Saidin experiences daily, have taken the initiative to carry out fundraising drives.
Software developer Hazim Nordin, who launched an online crowdfunding campaign on Thursday, with a target of collecting US$2,500 (RM10,000) within a month to buy a scrambler, yesterday saw his effort pay off with a total collection at US$2,756 (RM11,900).
Meanwhile, SimplyGiving, the leading crowdfunding platform in Malaysia, has started a crowdfunding site.
A company located in Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam, has expressed its interest to reach out to Saidin and organise an event at the school.