KUCHING: The Bakun Charitable Trust is seeking additional funding as its trust fund has been depleting since its establishment in 1997, 27 years ago, said Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang.
He said that the trust has only received an initial allocation of RM10 million since its establishment. With its remaining RM6 million — comprising RM4 million in assets and RM2 million in cash — the fund, which provides one-off scholarships for students, is expected to last only another seven years.
“Therefore, this meeting with the Premier was to seek advice, request additional funds, and submit a formal application letter.
“We have requested Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) to channel funds to the trust as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including for the residents of Murum,” he said to reporters after leading a delegation from the Bakun Charitable Trust Board of Members on a courtesy visit to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Wisma Bapa Malaysia today.
Liwan, who is also the Belaga assemblyman, mentioned that they have requested annual allocations of RM1 million each for the residents of Bakun and Murum.
“These funds would not only support students but also benefit residents in the two areas for aid and other purposes,” he explained.
Also present at the meeting was Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon.
Earlier, Amanah Hartanah Bumiputera (AHB) handed over a Wakalah Zakat amounting to RM100,000, representing a distribution from their business zakat for the year 2023.
AHB was represented by its Group Managing Director, Mohamad Damshal Awang Damit, who handed the zakat to Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak (TBS), represented by the Chairman of the Sarawak Islamic Council, Datuk Misnu Taha.
