A TOTAL of 300 underprivileged school students in the Bagan Jermal constituency can look forward to wearing new school uniforms next year after receiving the items from their elected representative today.
Bagan Jermal assemblyman Soon Lip Chee said each of them received two sets of school uniforms, two pairs of socks and one pair of shoes.
“The annual back-to-school aid programme that is organised by my service centre is aimed at easing the burden on poor families and also from the B40 group.
“As we know, this year is a very challenging period due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Some parents have to take a pay cut and others might have lost their jobs.
“So with this aid programme, I hope it will help them to prepare their children for the 2021 school year,” Soon told reporters after the presentation ceremony at Sri Bagan Jermal badminton court in Butterworth today.
According to Soon, who is also the State Youth and Sports Committee chairman, the back-to-school aid programme this year, involves two secondary schools and eight primary schools in Bagan Jermal.
“Each of the school selects 30 students from poor families and from the B40 group to receive this aid.
“The schools involved are SMK Mak Mandin, SMK Kampong Kastam, SJK(C) Kwang Hwa, SK Bagan Tuan Kechil, SK Bagan Jermal, SJK(C) Chung Hwa 1, SJK(C) Chung Hwa Pusat, SJK(T) Mak Mandin, SJK(C) Mak Mandin, and SK Mak Mandin,” he added.
Soon also thanked five private companies for their contribution in the back-to-school aid programme this year.
They are Dee Noon Corporation Sdn Bhd, Jin Huo Gold & Jewellery Industries (M) Sdn Bhd, LKT Luck Sdn Bhd, Chiang Heng Gold & Diamond Sdn Bhd, and CHL Jewelleries Marketing Sdn Bhd.
“The total allocation, including from my service centre for this aid programme, is RM29,300.
“And I also urge other private companies or organisations that are interested to lend a helping hand to come forward to us so that together we can continue to help the needy students in the area,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Alissala Thian