SIBU: Sarawak Orphan Welfare Association (Peryatim) has come out to clear the air after many misconstrued it as a government body.
Peryatim Sarawak board member, Dato Mohamad Yusnar Matalie said it is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) devoted to looking after the welfare of orphans in Sarawak.
“There are many inaccurate perceptions in our society that Peryatim Sarawak is a government body,” he said, setting the record straight.
There are four Peryatim complexes in Sarawak namely Laila Taib Welfare Complex in Kuching, Hamidah Yakup Welfare Complex in Miri, Welfare Complex Juuma’ani Haji Bujang (KKJTHB) in Sibu and Daud Abdul Rahman Welfare Complex.
Yusnar, who is Peryatim Sibu chairman was speaking at the KKJTHB’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open house with Wisma Sanyan here yesterday.
He pointed out that most of its operating costs comes from contributions by various parties.
As an NGO, continuous support is essential for the smooth operation of the Peryatim complex and to help more children in need by ensuring they receive protection, good religious teaching and academic education and get equipped with various other skills, he said.
He said KKJTHB which started operating in 2014 and has for instance produced several students who have gone on to further their studies.
These students completed their schooling while under the care of Peryatim, obtained excellent results in SPM and STPM and successfully continued their studies at the university level or skills institute, he said.
“Our goal at Peryatim is not just to be a shelter, but rather this organisation becomes a platform for producing quality human capital.
“I hope our community and all parties will continue to work together in helping us at Peryatim so that more children can be helped,” he added.
He thanked the managing director of Sanyan Holdings Sdn Bhd, Datuk Mohammad Tufail Mahmud and his family, Wisma Sanyan staff for their cooperation in making this event a success.
Among those present were Sibu Malay Community Paramount Chief, Temenggong Datuk Wan Hamid Edruce Tuanku Mohamad, Director of Sanyan Holdings, Datin Suhing Bujang and Director of Pelita Towerview Sdn Bhd, Anita Hamidah Tufail.
