Education trust fund for family of rabies victims in Kpg Paun Rimu
KUCHING: An education trust fund will be set up to manage the monetary contribution made by non-governmental organisations ( NGOs) and individuals to the family of rabies victims at Kpg Paun Rimu in Serian.
This was revealed by Dayak Bidayuh National Association ( DBNA) president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik after receiving a contribution from the chief minister’s wife Datin Amar Dato Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here yesterday.
“I have discussed with the chief minister’s wife that apart from rebuilding their house, we will also ensure that the education of the couple’s other children will be taken care of.
“DBNA has suggested that the education trust fund be created with the hope that the children will succeed in their education and eventually lift their family out of poverty,” he said.
Ik Pahon said the chief minister’s wife also wanted DBNA to closely monitor the education development as well as upbringing of the couple’s remaining four children.
“Juma’ani wants close attention be given to the eldest child, who will be sitting for the UPSR examination next year, and to ensure that he will pursue his education to Form 1.
“I will also discuss with the village head and assemblyman of the area, Martin Ben, to make sure that the monetary contributions will be used wisely and channelled for the right purposes,” he said.
On the effort to rebuild the couple’s house, Ik Pahon said negotiation would be held to decide on the new site as the present site is not so suitable.
He said the village head, Stephen Empudot, and his charges would help to identify the site for the proposed new house later.
“Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, during his visit to the family on Wednesday said the government would help to build a more comfortable home for the family,” he said.
Ik Pahon said DBNA would also ensure that the present house would be equipped with basic amenities like clean water and electricity supplies, and appropriate sanitary system.
Earlier during the function, Juma’ani who is also chairperson of Sarawak Badan Amal Isteri-Isteri (Sabati) handed over RM33,000 to Ik Pahon, who received the money on the behalf of the couple.
Of the total amount, RM10,000 came from Persatuan Kebajikan Petra Jaya (PKPJ), RM20,000 from concerned members of the public and RM3,000 from Sabati.