KUCHING: STA Mutual Sdn Bhd has channelled RM55,000 to 11 underprivileged primary and secondary schools, and public higher education institutions (IPTA) across rural Sarawak.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Sarawak Timber Association (STA) through its subsidiary, STA Mutual Sdn Bhd in collaboration with the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (PUSAKA).
PUSAKA general manager Zainal Abidin Abdullah highlighted the primary goal of the initiative which is to provide essential financial aid to schools affected by logging activities.
“We hope that the fund can also help in creating a conducive learning environment while boosting students and teachers’ enthusiasm for academic and co-curricular pursuits.
“Besides, the initiative also aligns with the National Education Policy, emphasising collaboration between the government and private sectors to enhance education for schools in need,” he said.
He made these remarks during the funds presentation ceremony of STA Mutual Sdn Bhd and PUSAKA at Wisma Sumber Alam here today.
Furthermore, he expressed hopes that these funds would improve school infrastructure and facilitate various student activities.
“Despite current economic challenges and fluctuations in the timber market, we anticipate STA Mutual Sdn Bhd’s continued support for needy schools in Sarawak,” he said.
Zainal noted that the collaboration can contribute directly to the state’s goal of advancing school infrastructure and nurturing educated students, thus fostering the state’s growth.
Between 2012 and 2019, the initiative has disbursed RM1.5 million to primary and secondary schools across Sarawak.
During this period, 794 primary schools and 94 secondary schools received financial assistance, with grants of RM2,000 and RM4,000 per school, respectively.
In 2016, contribution rates were raised to RM2,000 for primary schools and RM4,000 for secondary schools.
The distribution of funds was halted for three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic but it resumed this year.
This year’s beneficiaries included the Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Ulu Pelagus, Kapit; SK Kampung Buda, Betong; SK Camporan Daro, Mukah; SK Meranek, Kota Samarahan; SK Sungai Aur, Kuching; SK Puruh Karu, Pedawan; SK Bulan Jeragam, Sebuyau; SK Batu Bungan, Mulu; and SK Santubong, Kuching.
Additionally, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Belawai, Tanjung Manis; SMK Santubong, Kuching; and University Institute of Technology MARA (UiTM), Samarahan Branch also received financial assistance.
Also present at the ceremony were PUSAKA advisor Datuk Hashim Bojet, UiTM assistant rector for Student Affairs Prof Dr Saimi Bujang, assistant general manager of Administration and Human Capital Suraya Mohamad Ali.
