RISDA helps smallholders through CSR
KUCHING: Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) played a holistic role to help the smallholders in the country.
“Various types of aid were channeled to the targeted group of smallholders in order to increase their income and improve their lifestyle,” he said at the ceremony to present corporate social responsibility (CSR) contribution from RISDA Sarawak here on Tuesday.
For example, he said the seedlings, fertilizers and pesticides contributed by RISDA to the smallholders would not only benefit the group but also bring benefits to the local communities.
He said the move by RISDA to make its corporate social responsibility a success was in line with the policy of the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who is paying great attention and responsive to the needs of the people.
“In fact, the Government Transformation Programme and 1Malaysia: People First, Performance Now also give priority to the people’s interests and the success of the delivery system,” he added.
Shafie said RISDA had gone one step forward in fulfilling its corporate social responsibility by presenting a hearse van to the State Health Department yesterday.
“This is the ninth state to receive the contribution from RISDA after Sabah, Johor, Pahang, Selangor, Terengganu, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan and Kelantan. It is hoped that the hearse van will make it easier to handle funeral arrangements,” he said, adding
RISDA had also contributed four dialysis machines to two hospitals in Sabah.
“I would like to congratulate RISDA for showing concern in serving the community,” said Shafie who expects every government agency which made profits to help the communities through their corporate social responsibility program.
Shafie handed a hearse van worth RM106,770 to Sarawak Health Department director Datu Dr Zulkifli Jantan at the ceremony.
Also present were Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi, secretary general of the ministry, Datuk Seri Ibrahim Muhamad and RISDA director general Dato’ Sri Wan Mohamad Zuki Mohamad.
Shafie also said the ministry would continue to work closely with the Health Ministry to improve the health of people, especially in rural areas.