RM306,800 from concert in aid of mountain guides
Kuala Lumpur: The charity concert dubbed Panggilan Kinabalu-Tribute to the Heroes of Mount Kinabalu and held in June this year raised RM306,800.33, exceeding the targeted figure of RM250,000 in aid of the mountain guides and porters.
The concert was jointly organised by the Rotary Club Bukit Bintang and Rotary Club of Bandar Utama at the Galaxy Banquet Hall, here.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Mary Yap Kain Ching, who graced the occasion, announced the good news and commended the organisers and contributors at a press conference held at the HGH Convention Centre, here, Friday.
“The initiative by the two Rotary Clubs in raising funds in times of crisis is exemplary and should be emulated by other organisations. I would encourage corporations and other corporate organisations to have a heart for fellow Malaysians who are going through difficulties such as those experienced by the Malims and porters of Mount Kinabalu who were adversely affected by the earthquake that took place on the 5th of June this year,” she said.
Yap, who is Member of Parliament for Tawau, received a mock cheque for the sum of RM306,000.00 (from the clubs) on behalf of the mountain guides and porters of Mount Kinabalu. On hand to make the presentation were President of the Rotary Club of Bukit Bintang, Johnny Sui, and Concert Co-Organising Chairmen Yap Fatt Lam (Past President of Rotary Club of Bukit Bintang) and Ong Hock Siew (President of Rotary Club of Bandar Utama).
She also disclosed that the first distribution ceremony will be held in Kota Kinabalu on October 30 at the Office of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment. The Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun will officiate at the event will be officiated by Yang Berbahagia Datuk Panglima Masidi Manjun.
At the press conference, Fatt Lam recounted how so many generous Malaysians contributed to the cause of bringing relief to those in dire need of help while Ong explained the mode of distribution of the proceeds to the affected Malims and porters, and outlined the training programme for the participants.
“I laud the two Rotary clubs for their innovative way of distributing the proceeds to the beneficiaries. The added objective of training the affected Malims and porters is a very good avenue to bringing education and mind set change to them.
“The focus on financial planning, skills training and micro-entrepreneurship programmes has the longer term aim of effecting lifestyle change,” Yap commented.
On the element of transparency in handling funds raised, she said it was a fine example for other organisations to follow.
“The properly audited accounts as well as the rule that all personal and travel expenses are to be borne by the office-bearers themselves are best practices, and reflects the high standards of integrity adopted by the Rotary Clubs.”
Praising the trainers who have volunteered their services, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education said their voluntarism was a reflection of the caring Malaysian mentality. “Indeed, this is the true Malaysian spirit where the rich should help the poor and the capable assisting the less able.”
Yap, meanwhile, commended Tan Sri Azman Hashim for his magnanimity in raising a significant portion of the proceeds and for singing at the concert.
“(Tan Sri) Azman’s suggestion of building a rest centre for the Malims and porters of Mount Kinabalu is also a noteworthy gesture,” she said.
Other well-known singers featured at the concert included veteran entertainer Dato’ Khatijah Ibrahim, Azharina Azhar, Summers Singers A Cappella Band and Glitterama Ladies Charity Group.
Also present were Immediate Past District Governor of Rotary International District 3300, Kirenjit Kaur who represented the District Governor and Chairman of HGH Convention Centre, Eddie Heng who provided the concert venue for free.
Source: Daily Express
