THE Penang government today expressed its appreciation to the government of Japan for restoring the financial assistance scheme known as the Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Security Projects (GGP).
Commonly referred to as Kusa-no-ne in Japan (with “Kusa” meaning ‘grass’ and “Ne” meaning ‘roots’ in Japanese), this scheme first began in Malaysia in 1989.
The agreement between the governments (Malaysia and Japan) is aimed at supporting grassroots projects run and operated by non-profit organisations, including local NGOs.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said Penang has seen six recipients benefitting from this scheme, the latest being the fishery rehabilitation project by the Department of Fisheries in 2005.
“This programme is truly essential for socio-economic development such as primary health care, public welfare, education and environment.
“Such socio-economic developments mentioned are some of the leading areas that drive and sustain Penang’s status as one of the developed states in Malaysia,” Chow said during a press conference in Komtar.
Other recipients in the past were Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC), Asia Community Service, AMD-Rotary Dialysis Centre, Rumah Charis and Penang Wheelchair Tennis Association (PWTA).
The maximum grant amount per project is approximately RM330,000.
Penang and Japan have been enjoying cordial and warm relationship over the years.
Consul-General of Japan in Penang Shinichiro Kanoya said the government of Japan is pleased to once again embark on this noble initiative with the Penang state government.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Chief Minister of Penang and all related parties for showing great support in this matter.
“We hope to continue exploring new ways to sustain and better the bilateral ties between the two countries in the future,” said Kanoya during his speech.
Chow then thanked the Japanese government for the generous gesture by lending a hand through this initiative to those most vulnerable, as well local communities in need of assistance.
The application deadline for 2020 will be on Aug 31.
Application form and other relevant information are available on the Japanese Embassy’s official website at https://www.my.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/ggp2020.html.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Photo by Alissala Thian
Video by Alvie Cheng