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Community Assistance
Providing for basic needs An offer of help or opportunity is often all that is needed to assist community members lead safer and easier lives. For remote villages without road access, travel to schools, healthcare facilities and between villages can be challenging, sometimes taking hours, days and sometimes weeks to get from one place to another. Fresh water supply and electricity is not always readily available and wood homes that are weathered and improperly structured can make living uncomfortable. Regular engagement with the local communities enables us to provide for their most basic needs - electricity, clean water and building materials for their homes, schools and places of worship. To ensure we are constantly in touch with the communities, we make regular visits to check on project conditions and identify necessary maintenance works. For instance, we repair worn-out timber structures, and fix improper electrical wiring. Additionally, requests are often made for the unexpected repair of bridges; clearing roads from land slips; maintaining the water pipes and electrical wiring in villages, and a host of small contributions to help out in emergencies. We help provide communities by providing:
Besides assisting the local communities in the remote areas where we operate, Samling also provide assistance to the urban communities in time of critical need. For instance, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, where critical medical equipment and medical supplies were short in supply and urgently needed by hospitals, Samling stepped up to play her role as a responsible corporate company by contributing critical medical equipment and medical supplies to hospitals and medical institutions in Sarawak such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machines, ventilators, personal protective equipment (PPEs), surgical masks, thermometers and sanitizers. Samling also contribute medical supplies to other front-liners in the fight against Covid-19, besides contributing essential food packs to the urban disadvantage group affected by the lockdown during this tenuous period. |
Highlights |
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30 April 2020
TAWAU HOSPITAL: SECOND RECIPIENT OF SAMLING’S AID IN SABAH STATE
(SABAH,Tawau 30 April 2020): The Samling Group of Companies has donated 80,000 surgical masks, 1,000 protective bodysuits, 50 thermometers, and 50 bottles of 500ml disinfectants to Sabah’s Tawau Hospital to help combat the spread of the novel coronavirus or Covid-19.
The medical items were presented by the company’s representative, Richard Ng to Dr. Norlimah Bt Arsad, Director of Tawau Hospital, and witnessed by her deputy, Jaclyn Gonduman, in a simple handing over ceremony at Tawau Hospital. Richard was accompanied by Subramanian and Jose Mangaliag.
According to Samling's CEO, Lawrence Chia in a statement, Samling is doing its best to help relieve shortages of much-needed medical supplies by hospitals in the state. It has always been our duty to assist the government and the community at large during this difficult time, says Chia.
Samling had earlier donated medical items to Lahad Datu hospital, and our next recipient is Kinabatangan Hospital.
30 April 2020
SAMLING GROUP DONATE MEDICAL MASK TO BINTULU GOVERNMENT FRONT LINERS AND TATAU COMMUNITY
(BINTULU 30 April 2020): Samling Group of Companies on Thursday contributed medical masks to front liners in this district.
Samling's CEO, Lawrence Chia, disclosed that this contribution was a gesture of appreciation and support for front liners including those manning the roadblocks in this district. “Samling had earlier donated a PCR machine and other essential medical supplies to Bintulu Hospital”, said Chia in a statement.
The simple handing over ceremony was done at the Bintulu Resident office.
Samling’s representative, Choo Siong Liew handed over the donation to Tn. Jack Aman, Resident of Bintulu District, and witnessed by Bintulu Member of Parliament YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing who is also the Prime Minister's Special Envoy to China, YB Dato Sri Stephen Rundi and Datuk Pui Kian Onn.
The masks supplies would be distributed to a total of 12 government agencies, including the Tatau community.
Those agencies are Bintulu Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA); Armed Forces (ATM); the People's Volunteer Corps (RELA); Forest Department; Resident Office; Bintulu Welfare Department; Bintulu Development Authority (BDA); Civil Defence Force (APM Bintulu); Royal Malaysian police, The Malaysian Customs Department (Bintulu) and the Immigration Department (Bintulu), and the Tatau community.
29 April 2020
SAMLING GROUP DONATES TO LAHAD DATU HOSPITAL IN COVID-19 FIGHT
(SABAH, Lahad Datu 29 April 2020): The Samling Group of Companies donated 60,000 surgical masks, 500 protective bodysuits, 15 thermometers, and 50 bottles of 500ml sanitisers to the Lahad Datu Hospital today.
The handing over of the contributions was held at Lahad Datu Hospital, by Samling's representatives, Richard Ng to the hospital's director, Dr Ridwan Hashim, and witnessed by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce Association Chairman, Tan Ching Teng. Richard was accompanied by Subramanian and Jose Mangaliag during the simple handing over.
Apart from running palm oil mills in Lahad Datu Sabah, Samling also has oil palm mills in Belaga, Lana and Jelalong in Sarawak.
Since April, Samling has donated critical medical equipment and essential medical supplies to over 100 medical institutions in Sarawak to help the Sarawak government in its fight against the Covid-19.
"We will continue to assist the Sabah government to fight against the Covid-19, which is a threat to all of us. And today, we are extending our help by delivering medical items to medical institutions here in Sabah," said Samling's CEO Lawrence Chia in a statement.
02 May 2020
YAW TECK SENG FOUNDATION DONATES PCR MACHINES AND PPES TO SARAWAK GENERAL HOSPITAL
(KUCHING, 2 May 2020) Yaw Teck Seng Foundation of the Samling Group donated two Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machines; ie one unit pcr biorad CFX 96 machine and the second unit - gene expert 4 cartridges, 1 autoclave steriliser, 1 RNA extractor, and 2 invasive ventilators to the Sarawak General Hospital today to support it fights against the Covid-19 outbreak. The contribution also included surgical masks, forehead thermometers, and protective bodysuits. The ventilators and 1 PCR machine are currently en-route from overseas and will be arriving by the middle of May.
It is critical for medical facilities to be well equipped in order to facilitate the identification of infected persons as early as possible during the early stages of infection so that they can be isolated and treated accordingly.
Such capabilities to diagnose the virus would require a molecular biology laboratory with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing equipment. Currently, the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) has PCR equipment for such diagnoses. However, due to the worrying number of suspected cases in Kuching and its surrounding districts, additional testing equipment is very much required in order to diagnose and detect cases earlier.
In its simplest terms, non-invasive ventilation differs from invasive ventilation by the interface between the patient and the ventilator. Invasive ventilatory support is provided via either an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube. For patients in ICU, it is critical for the use of invasive ventilators in order to assist patients with breathing difficulties.
The donation was handed over to Sarawak General Hospital's director, Dr Ngian Hie Ung by Dato Sri JC Fong, who is the Director of the Yaw Teck Seng Foundation, and witnessed by Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, Chairman of the State Disaster Management Committee and Dato Sri Dr. Sim Kui Hian.
Yaw Teck Seng Foundation aims to support our medical institutions in Sarawak during this challenging time," said Dato Sri JC Fong in a statement. He further added that it has been always the foundation’s mission to assist and do everything possible within their means to help the State government and the communities in need.
On behalf of the Foundation, I would like to thank Tan Sri Yaw and Dato Sri Yaw for their kind generosity, said Dato Sri JC Fong. He was accompanied by Ding Shan Huat, Wilson Soh, Laurence Chai, and Chung Kui Siang during the simple handing over at Old DUN Building.
1 October 2020
SAMLING STEPS UP TO REBUILD BRIDGES FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES
1 October 2020, Miri, Sarawak – The Samling Group (the Group), responding to the urgent needs of rural communities in Sarawak, sent in emergency teams to rebuild vital infrastructure that had been damaged by the heavy rains.
Due to the heavy rainfall and flash floods over the last few weeks, one of the bridges across a stream that serves 91 villages in the Baram area, partially collapsed on 8 September 2020. This was caused by soil movement which led to the bridge caving in. The Group had immediately mobilized its team from the Baram Central Base Camp, and the required machineries to the site on the same day. A temporary access road for light vehicles was constructed four (4) hours after the Group received news of the damage. The Group then took the necessary steps to repair the bridge, ensuring it was fully operational by the end of 9 September 2020, and passable to all vehicles including heavy trunks. This bridge serves communities in the upper Baran and Tinajar areas, all the way to Bario.
The Group had also restored the Lg Pillah – Lg Miri trunk road that collapsed on 13 September 2020. Recovery measures were taken immediately to ensure light vehicles were able to access the road, and it was restored to full operations by mid-day of 15 September 2020.
Both the bridge and the stretch of road were built by the Samling Group in the late 1980s, providing vital linkages for rural communities with essential amenities such as schools and a few market Bazaars which are located in Long San, Lapok and Long Lama. Before these essential infrastructures were put in place, it would have taken days for children to get to the nearest schools or for communities to access the nearest amenities. Today, this infrastructure allows for children to reach schools safely and much faster, within a few hours using the transportation sponsored by the Group. Access to medical centres have been greatly increased too. Currently, there are 51 primary schools and 7 secondary schools in areas the Group operates.
The Group works closely with the State Government to ensure all its initiatives are in line with the developmental masterplan of the State. This includes bringing connectivity to the rural population who have never had access to essential social amenities like healthcare and education.
To date, the Group has built and maintains more than 10,000 km of roads and 81 bridges, most of which are in the deep interior of Sarawak, bringing access and greater mobility to 172 villages in 3 regions. Additionally, in the last decade, the Group has also through numerous medical outreach programmes brought doctors, specialists and volunteers to the rural communities.
The Group is committed to providing and improving the quality of life of rural communities by ensuring that they are not physically isolated, and have access to essential amenities.
The Group has also, among others, provided transportation of heavy materials (including but not limited to cement, gravel, bricks, plywood), materials for roofs (such as zinc and spandex sheets), and water pipes (used to bring clean water) to the rural communities. Furthermore, gen-sets and an ample amount of diesel are provided to generate electricity in the rural areas.
The communities in these areas have expressed their gratitude in various ways over the years as opportunities open up, beyond life in the forests.
Sarawak’s rural population is large, much of which still lives in poverty and inhospitable conditions. The bridges and roads are directly correlated to the communities’ economic and education gains. Along with other infrastructural improvements in the rural areas, the bridges and roads built are essential in alleviating poverty and achieving long-term prosperity in Sarawak.
Work-in-progress. Passable by 4- wheel drives by mid-day on Monday, 14 September
Stretch of road fully restored by mid-day on Tuesday, 15 September
Stretch of road fully restored by mid-day on Tuesday, 15 September
02 May 2020
COLLAPSED LONG PILLAH-LONG MIRI ROAD REPAIRED BY SAMLING
(MIRI 16 September 2020): Heavy downpour last weekend caused a section of the main road between Lg Pillah- Lg Miri leading to Upper Baram and Bario to collapse last Sunday evening. The incident was triggered by soil erosion due to incessant rain.
Following the collapse, Samling immediately mobilized their men and 10 units of machineries to start restoration work on Monday morning, 14 September and by mid-day, four-wheel drives and small trucks were able to commute while works are still on-going. The road was fully repaired and passable to all vehicles and heavy trucks since mid-day on Tuesday, 15 September 2020.
Samling is very mindful that road infrastructure in the rural area is very important as it is the only connectivity, not only to the villagers staying in the upper Baram region but also to those who are commuting to schools and clinics. We are always ready to assist the local communities in our area of operations, says Samling Chief Operating Officer, James
Work-in-progress. Passable by 4- wheel drives by mid-day on Monday, 14 September
Stretch of road fully restored by mid-day on Tuesday, 15 September
21 April 2020
Samling Group Continues to Donates Medical Supplies and Essential Food Packs for Miri’s Needy
(MIRI 21 April 2020): Sarawak-based conglomerate, Samling Group of Companies is continuing its part in the Covid-19 fight by making contributions to communities deeply impacted by the pandemic.
On Tuesday, Samling donated 4,000 food packs to the Miri Disaster Management Committee under the leadership of Datuk Lee Kim Shin to be distributed to the needful in the Tudan resettlement area, as well as medical supplies to the Red Crescent Miri Chapter, various front liners, Miri Polyclinic and other outlying clinics in Miri and upper Baram areas.
The simple handing over ceremony was held at Wisma Samling at Jalan Brighton here by Samling executive director Troy Yaw.
Also present were Minister of Transport Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sebastian Ting, Baram Member of Parliament (MP) Anyie Ngau who represents himself and Mulu Assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, Telang Usan Assemblyman Dennis Ngau and Acting Miri Resident Tuan Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusuf.
Collectively, clinics in the upper Baram areas and clinics on the outskirts of Miri will also receive essential medical supplies. In addition to these, Samling is also arranging to send medical supplies to Kapit, Limbang and Lawas Hospitals as well as to polyclinics and rural clinics in the respective areas. Samling has been assisting 90 medical institutions in the State in the form of PPEs and needy medical equipment.
According to Samling Group CEO, Lawrence Chia, some of the consignment of supplies for Baram and Miri will arrive soon and arrangements will be made immediately for their distributions upon arrival.
"In supporting our government effort in tackling the Covid-19, Samling would help mobilise not only medical supplies to the front-liners to combat the viruses but also food packages to the disadvantaged resulting from this lockdown during these tenuous times. This is part of Samling’s initiatives to supplement Sarawak government’s effort in combating the Covid-19," Chia disclosed.
"We are doing everything that we can to help the State government to win this battle against Covid-19," he pointed out.
16 April 2020
Samling and ParkCity donate 500,000 masks to the Ministry of Home Affairs
Kuala Lumpur, April 16 - Samling Group of Companies and ParkCity Group, have donated 500,000 masks to the Ministry of Home Affairs to show their solidarity to the government in combating COVID-19.
Samling Group CEO, Lawrence Chia and ParkCity Group CEO, Datuk Joseph Lau both lauded the government’s efforts in announcing stricter regulation for the extension of the Movement Control Order (MCO) for another two weeks from April 15 until April 28, to further curb COVID-19 from spreading which is in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) directive.
"ParkCity feels it’s imperative to do our part and dedicate whatever resources we have to assist the Ministry of Home Affairs for distributing masks to the frontliners such as the Police in helping to combat Covid-19. Our Group is very grateful to the Police for their dedication and sacrifice in helping our country during these trying time,” Datuk Joseph Lau explained.
Chia added, “Samling is always looking for ways to relieve shortages of much-needed medical supplies in our hospitals and polyclinics especially in the rural areas of Sabah and Sarawak.”
13 April 2020
SAMLING DELIVERS MEDICAL SUPPLIES TO MARUDI AND MIRI HOSPITAL
(MIRI, 13 April 2020.) Samling Group of Companies once again is continuing its initiative in the combat against Covid-19, with donations of medical supplies to the Marudi Hospital.
On Monday, 13 April 2020, Samling donated a significant quantity (6 large carton boxes) of surgical masks as well as disinfectants to the Marudi Hospital. A second batch of surgical masks will be delivered to Marudi Hospital upon arrival within the month. Dr Nur Natasya Bte Sherimim, the Director of Marudi Hospital was on hand to receive the donations at Wisma Samling, Miri. She expressed her appreciation to Samling for their assistance in these trying times.
In addition, a second batch of medical supplies consisting of a large quantity (50 large carton boxes) of surgical mask was also presented to Dr Wong Chia Yee, Assistant Director of Miri Hospital. Samling Group Chief Operating Officer, James Ho represented Samling at the handover to Dr Wong at Wisma Samling, Miri. Miri Hospital had last week, received a PCR machine, lab equipment, and other medical items from Samling. We are expecting further medical supplies to arrive in the next couple of weeks. Further donation of medical supplies will be made to the respective hospitals.
Samling continues to play its role as a responsible corporate social citizen and stand in unity with the Sarawak state government to combat Covid-19. We chose to focus our contributions to the communities and towards the frontliners as they battled to save lives in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic, says Samling Group CEO, Lawrence Chia.
15 April 2020
SARIKEI HOSPITAL: THE FIFTH RECEIPIENT OF SAMLING’S AID
(SARIKEI: 15 April 2020) Samling Group of companies on Wednesday has sent the first batch of medical materials to Sarikei hospital in its continuing assistance in the fight against the Covid-19 outbreak.
The medical items were presented by the company’s representative, Choo Siong Liew to the director of Sarikei hospital, Dr Tey Siew Chang, on Wednesday in a simple handing over ceremony.
According to Samling's CEO Lawrence Chia, the medical items comprise 17 large carton boxes of surgical masks, thermometer guns, hand sanitizers, and hand gloves. The second batch of supplies is expected to arrive at a later date and will be delivered to the hospital upon arrival.
To date, Samling has donated medical items and supplies to front liners in four other hospitals and clinics in Sarawak – Miri, Marudi, Bintulu and Tatau. With today’s contribution, Sarikei hospital is our fifth recipient.
"We hope that this contribution and the much needed medical supplies will assist our front liners at this crucial time, and immensely grateful to the healthcare workers who are at the front lines of slowing this pandemic", says Chia.
14 April 2020
SAMLING DONATES CRITICAL MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES TO BINTULU HOSPITAL AND OUTLYING CLINICS TO ASSIST COVID-19 MITIGATION EFFORTS
(BINTULU, 14 April 2020) Samling Group of Companies continues to play an active role in supporting the State government in fighting the Covid-19 outbreak.
On Tuesday, 14 April 2020, Samling donated medical supplies including a 'Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction machine (PCR), disposable surgical masks, disinfectants, thermometers and gloves to the Bintulu hospital. The PCR machine, will arrive at the end of the month. Dr Davis Johnraj, Director of Bintulu Hospital was there to receive on behalf of the hospital. In addition, medical supplies were also given to clinics in the Tatau and Segan area. Dr David Johnraj expressed his appreciation and thanked Samling for the kind donations.
Last week, Samling also donated a fully equipped laboratory compirisng an equivalent PCR testing unit together with supplemental lab equipment, in addition to other medical items.
"Samling will continue to help the communities and medical institutions in Sarawak in light of the outbreak. We are in solidarity with the Sarawak government to help combat Covid-19 which has disrupted the lives of many," said Samling Group’s CEO, Lawrence Chia.
Chia hopes that these resources would assist the ongoing efforts of the hard working and resourceful frontliners in the State, especially doctors and nurses in fighting the Covid-19 outbreak.
8 April 2020
SAMLING DELIVERS MEDICAL SUPPLIES TO MIRI HOSPITAL, TO FLY IN TONNES MORE
The first batch, which has already arrived, will be donated to hospitals in Miri, Bintulu, Sarikei, Lawas as well as other nearby hospitals and clinics, said Group CEO Lawrence Chia.
“The supplies include real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machine which is needed to trace Covid-19’s genetic material, as well as some hazardous material suits for medical workers,” he said, when presenting the PCR machine and other supplies to Miri Hospital yesterday.
The equipment will enable Miri Hospital to carry out PCR tests around the clock starting next week instead of having to wait between 48 and 72 hours for results from Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching, he added.
Miri Hospital director Dr Jack Wong in receiving the donation thanked the company for its contribution in assisting the hospital set up the molecular laboratory in response to the challenges faced in combating Covid-19.
The project included upgrading the existing laboratory into a molecular laboratory with a donation that included medical-grade refrigerator, freezers, bio-safety cabinet, thermocycler, centrifuge and other accessories that qualify a fully functional PCR facility.
Miri Hospital has sent its specialists and staff for training in Kuching to equip themselves to perform PCR tests, and the lab is expected to be functional by next week.
Chia said the donation of medical supplies including a large quantity of surgical masks, body suits and thermometers, will be brought in using cargo plane.
“Samling is always looking for ways to relieve shortages of much-needed medical supplies in our hospitals. We are doing everything that is humanly possible to secure as much medical supplies as we can,” he added.
On hand to witness the handing-over were state Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sebastian Ting, Samling representatives Troy Yaw, Yap Fui Fook and Chan Kuet Ming, and Deputy Miri Resident Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusuf representing the divisional disaster management committee.
August 2011
Donation of building materials for local church building
Samling donated building materials to assist the Roman Catholic Church of Rh Lajang ak Manggie, located at Sungai Linei, Marudi to complete the community's new church building.
The assistance includes building materials and furnishings such as cement, bricks and chairs, amounting to RM12,000 (US$4,000).
Jun 2011
Bringing medical care to remote villages
"When they cannot come to us, we have to go to them," says Dr Jack Wong, Director of the Miri General Hospital, who led a medical team of 22 health professionals into the interior of Sarawak to conduct a medical outreach programme on the weekend of 17 to 19 June 2011.
Jointly organised with Samling, the programme provided health screening, counseling and medication to almost 300 villagers, mainly Kenyah, Kayan and Penan who live in isolated villages in the remote Upper Baram and Upper Tinjar regions of Sarawak.
For these villagers, access to medical care is difficult, and it often means several hours, even days, of travel by foot or boat.
"We have the manpower," says Dr Wong, "but we are not familiar with the roads in the interior. Fortunately, Samling assisted with the logistics. The forestry company's Central Base Camp served as an outpatient clinic, and the company transported villagers to the site."
"The objective of our medical outreach is to nip health problems in the bud," says Samling Community Liaison Officer, Stewart Paran. The hospital staff volunteers provided the medical expertise and equipment, while Samling purchased the medicine needed. Villagers underwent a general health screening that included blood pressure checks, blood sugar and visual acuity check. They were also treated for worms and head lice, which are common health problems among forest communities.
Since the Upper Baram is a malaria-prone area, there was a mass blood examination. Blood samples have been taken for analysis at the hospital laboratory in Miri, and public health officials are expected to travel to villages to treat suspected cases.
Meanwhile, the eye screening test showed 40 villagers in need of spectacles, with 11 requiring cataract and pterygium surgery. If not treated, these eye diseases could lead to blindness. Both Miri General Hospital and Samling have committed themselves to following up on these cases.
 Optometrist conducting eye test on a small girl |
 Penan mother and child waiting for their turn at Samling's CTB clinic |
The Medical Outreach Programme is the fifth to be conducted by Samling. The first was launched in October 2009.
March 2011
Donation of building material for building of a longhouse
Besides providing site levelling services for the construction of longhouses and animal husbandry purposes, we also donate building materials for the construction of longhouses for the indigenous communities in Sarawak.
Samling contributed RM15,000 (US$5,000) worth of building materials Rumah Adam in Sungai Nawang, Marudi to assist in the building of a new seven door longhouse to replace the old one. Among the building materials donated were cement, roofing, bricks and water tanks.
March 2010
780 Penans and Kayans received medical attention at community outreach programme
More than 700 members from 20 villages in Ulu Baram received medical attention at Syarikat Samling Timber's Lutin camp in Ulu Baram which for three days was converted into a bustling medical point.
This is the second time that Samling collaborated with Kuching Specialist Hospital (KcSH), following a tremendous response from the maiden medical outreach programme in October 2009 in Samling's Pelutan camp.
Medicine supplies worth more than RM16,000 were dispensed by a medical team comprising physician, dentists, and medical assistants. Two severe cases requiring further medical attention were immediately referred to Miri Hospital via helicopter service provided by Hornbill Skyways.
The outreach programme was headed by Ngeng Ek Cheng, Director of KcSH and Datu Cheong Ek Choon. Samling again played host to the medical field team and was instrumental in providing logistics support.
This included providing transportation and accommodation to the visiting team, and making over 20 trips a day ferrying villagers from pick-up points at main logging roads as far as two hours from camp point. Samling also provided meals for all volunteers and every villager who came to the camp.
"Making the timber camp the focal point of the medical has allowed many more people to receive treatment, instead of moving from one place to another which would involve a far more complicated logistics arrangement," said Stewart Paran, Samling's community service officer.
Dr Lim Kok Ban, Resident Consultant Physician of KcSH, is no stranger to the community outreach programme having led the first team in October 2009. He was joined by a dedicated 20-strong team of two dentists and medical assistants who made a gruelling six-hour journey by land from Miri to Ulu Baram where they tirelessly met with villagers who arrived as early as 7.30am with the last to leave past 5pm.
 Dr Lim Kok Ban attending to a Penan woman describing her ailments. |
 Dentists Dr Patrick Tie (centre) and Dr Kong Lik Lin (right) assisted by Julia Aran (left) attending to a Penan mother. |
This rare gathering of local communities of this strength in this area also presented a unique opportunity for government agencies such as National Registration Department, Marudi Department of Agriculture, and Pusat Kemahiran dan Pembangunan Sarawak, and a local NGO, Sarawak AIDS Council Society, to serve the people in their respective capacities.
The NRD were able to register 67 new identity card and birth certificate applicants and issued28 identity cards and 53 birth certificates to previous applicants. The other agencies gave talks and advised the villagers about basic healthcare and daily practices, and also agricultural schemes available.
 National Registration Department volunteers assisting villagers in their identity card and birth certificate applications. |
 A Penan child from Long Luteng holding up his birth certificate that he has just received from the National Registration Department. |
"This effort would have been impossible if not for Samling's logistics assistance in bringing the team in from Miri, and transporting the villagers to the camp," said Mr Ngeng in the closing ceremony.
"We hope that this would inspire other corporations to partner us for future collaborations," added Mr Ngeng.
December 2009
Barama's Medical Outreach Programme
Getting regular access to medical care is always a challenge for rural communities. As an extension of Barama's corporate social responsibility programme, medical outreach efforts were initiated for three neighboring communities at the end of 2009.
Over one hundred people, mainly women and children from the communities of Great Troolie Island, Caria Caria and Bethany received treatment for various ailments. The number of patients treated by the medical team represents an average of 20% of the total population of these communities.
Residents applauded Barama's effort, citing that this was the first time a private company has embarked on such an undertaking in their communities and that they welcome and appreciate this gesture by Barama.
Residents also mentioned that although they receive some amount of governmental aid as two of the communities (Caria Caria and Bethany) have health centers, not all essential medication are available at these centers. The health workers managing the centres also needed supplementary assistance to care for and treat uncommon or more complex health issues.
WhileBarama has a medical center in its Buckhall operations from which these communities and others nearby could go to receive medical assistance, the company decided to conduct a twice yearly medical outreach visit to reach out to these communities directly. Barama also recognizes the need to have a healthy and strong workforce as many of its employees come from neighboring communities.
The company is positive that these outreaches will strengthen its relationship with surrounding communities and ensure its employees benefit from the healthcare assistance.
While serving at Caria Caria, the medical team also took the opportunity to visit another CSR project undertaken by Barama in November 2008, where the company had supplied lumber for the construction of a bridge linking the Caria Caria main trail to the school and health centre. The construction of the bridge has made going to school easier, faster and safer for the children.
The bridge is reportedly still in good condition and Caria Caria residents remain grateful for the assistance from Barama.
October 2009
Samling brings healthcare services
to Ulu Baram villages
Joint Medical Outreach Programme with Kuching Specialist
Hospital
"Ever since the flying doctor service (FDS) stopped almost three years ago, my people had little access to healthcare. For that, I wish to say thank you to Kuching Specialist Hospital (KcSH) and Samling for enabling many of us to receive treatment," said James Nyurang, the headman of Tanjung Tepalit.
James was among the 300 villagers who were at Samling's Pelutan Camp in the upper Baram region of Sarawak to seek free medical services provided by KcSH in partnership with Samling. This initiative is part of Samling and KcSH's corporate social responsibility programme aimed at bringing healthcare and creating health and hygiene awareness to the communities in the Baram interior.
Leading the medical outreach programme are Ngeng Eng Cheng, Director of KcSH, and Datuk Chong Ek Choon, the programme advisor. The 18-member for this programme is headed by Dr Lim Kok Ban, a physician from KcSH and Dr Lu Ting Yin, a dentist from Kota Samarahan Polyclinic, and they were assisted by nurses and dental assistants.
This pioneering effort by the team had the blessing of the chief minister who also sponsored the air tickets for the team members from Kuching. Samling assisted in picking up the patients from their respective longhouses and sending them back after their treatment at the centre. In the October programme, the company made 15 trips per day to get patients to the centre from their longhouses and also provided free lunch at the centre. The efficiency of Samling's logistics team received praise from the medical team.
"The logistical operation went perfectly in that we got the maximum number of people. If we were to visit each longhouse, it would be almost impossible to rea
August 2011
ch the same number of people in two days. We salute Samling's dedicated team of drivers, some of whom are actually camp managers. We have the best partner for this project although initially there were skeptics who question our choice of Samling as a partner," said Ngeng.Ngeng added, "We came to help those who had little access to consistent healthcare. In this we are actually grateful to the folk of Ulu Baram for giving us the opportunity to serve them."
Samling's community affair officers, who are familiar faces in the community, are the appointed local coordinators and liaison to inform the villagers of the visiting medical teams' scheduled visits and to arrange for facilities to enable them to seek medical services.
"What we have here is similar with a rural clinic. At times we treated villagers for minor injuries and common illnesses," Samling Timber Sdn Bhd's Community Service Officer, Stewart Paran Libut said, adding that Samling has been providing community services since the 70s, long before CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) become popular.
The MoU for the collaboration was signed in September 2009 with the first medical outreach programme taking off at Pelutan Camp, Ulu Baram in October 2009. A medical field team appointed by KcSH comprising medical practitioners and qualified medical volunteers from both the private and public sectors would make scheduled visits to target communities. The MoU promises medical services for one year for rural communities.
Healthcare services offered in the medical outreach programme include basic health screening, dental care and vision test. Unscheduled visits may be made in the event of any outbreak of illness among rural community. Samling's camp facilities scattered around the Ulu Baram region would function as field medical centers. If required, Samling would assist the medical team to set up temporary sheds as field clinics in the villages.
Samling's role in the collaboration is to also provide transportation and accommodation assistance to the visiting medical field teams between Miri and its camps and to target communities in the Baram region. Logistics support also covers medical emergencies in the event that a medical evacuation is needed and for referral cases to the hospitals in town.
The second team of doctors and volunteers is scheduled to go into another area of the Ulu Baram region for the next medical outreach programme on 28 to 31 March 2010.
1 March 2009
Doyon Clinic Organises Blood Donation Drive
The Doyon Clinic in collaboration with the Malaysian Red Crescent Miri and the Miri General Hospital organised a successful blood donation drive among Samling employees in March. More than 35 pints of blood were collected from employees from Samling's factory and administrative operations in Miri.
This blood donation drive kicked off the first of three donation drives that the company and its employees are supporting this year. Our employees want to play a role in saving lives by ensuring that the Miri hospital's blood bank is adequately stocked.
The Doyon clinic is located in Samling's housing and recreational estate Kuala Baram. It is a fully-equipped clinic manned by fulltime trained medical personnel to provide in-house medical and healthcare to Samling's employees who work and live in the estate.
November 2008
Preschool: The first step to a brighter future
In the village of Long Lellang, the mid-morning silence was broken by the sounds of children singing in Pastor Lah Deng's home while at the same time in Long Main, children can be heard reciting their ABCs excitedly.
Together with the other villages of Ba'Mubui, Long Sepigen, Long Sait and Long Kepang in the Ulu Baram region, children aged between three to seven are beneficiaries of a pre-school programme jointly initiated in July 2007 by the Malaysian Medical Relief Society (Mercy Malaysia) and Samling.
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| Samling volunteer handing over a whiteboard for a preschool | Toddlers with their learning and colouring books |
This project came to fruition to address the lack of, or inexistent, elementary educational facilities in these remote settlements deep in the Sarawak rainforest. The nearest kindergarten in a more established village could mean a full or a few day's walk in the forest, discouraging parents to send these children to school.
The preschool programme is aimed at preparing these kids for Primary 1 in later years so they do not get left behind their peers in class. Lessons are usually held in the pastor's house or in the village church. A typical lesson is comprised of teaching the children the basic skill of reading, writing and counting, along with colouring and singing activities.
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| Looking smart and ready for school: Children in their new school uniform | Learning is fun! School children with their teachers |
Mercy Malaysia flew in a volunteer to assist with the preschool's curriculum and teachers' training. Teachers, usually the pastors, were briefed on how to conduct lasses, plan for each lesson and make teaching aids. Children's discipline, punctuality, personal hygiene and cleanliness were also emphasised.
Samling supplies stationery and books for learning and colouring lessons annually. Milk and biscuits are contributed monthly to ensure that children stay nourished in school. Samling also donates hygienic supplies and maintains the monthly cost of operating the preschools.
"It is in preschools that children learn many languages, social and practical skills that will benefit them immediately and also enhance their chances for future achievement. We hope that this programme will help lay the foundation for these kids for a brighter future," said James Ho, Chief Operating Officer of Samling Limited.
November 2008
Shortening the long trek to citizenship
The Penan people living in settlements in the far reaches of the Sarawak rainforest are hampered by logistic and financial constraints that have made it difficult for them to apply for identity cards and birth certificates.
Samling collaborated with the Forest Department and National Registration Department, International Tropical Timber Organisation in Bario and Long Sait in Ulu Baram to facilitate an identity card registration exercise in March 2008.
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| Thumb print for Identification Cards Registration | A busy set of affairs in Long Sait Church |
More than 200 Penans, with some of them trekking for days across rugged terrains made trip to the registration venues which were held at the ranger's station in Bario and the church in Long Sait respectively.
Samling sponsored and provided road and boat transportation to ferry the people from different Penan villages to get to the registration venue.
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| A fleet of Boats grounded for the Registration process from various downstream Penan settlements on the Seluonguh River | Government office staff verifying the various documents |
13 May 2008
Samling Volunteers in Tanjong Beach Clean-up
Samling Group of Companies kicked off its inaugural beach cleanup project with more than 120 volunteers gathering at the Tanjong Beach in Taman Selera, Miri on Saturday, 10 May 2008.
In the true spirit of volunteerism, the participants, who were mainly Samling employees, gathered at the beach front as early as 7am on their non-working Saturday to participate in the cleanup. The volunteers enjoyed sunny skies and breezy ocean wind while doing their part to keep the Tanjong Beach clean.
Volunteers covered a 300-metre stretch where three-tonnes of trash were removed during the two hours that they took to clean up the coastline. Most of the trash and debris consisted of dried leaves, twigs, coconut husks and typical items left by beachgoers: cigarette butts, soft drink cans and empty bottles.
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| Removing logs and ropes washed ashore to keep the beach safe and clean. | ||
“The Tanjong Beach is precious to the Miri communities, families and the many visitors who frequent the beach,â€� said James Ho, Samling’s Chief Operating Officer. “It is important for us in Samling, to recognise that by working together, we can, in small ways, protect the environment and preserve the beautiful Taman Selera coastline.â€�
“By asking our employees to volunteer for the beach clean-up project is Samling’s way of giving back to the community,â€� he added.
The success of the beach cleanup is also made possible by the generosity of dedicated volunteers and the strong support of the community leaders and local sponsors. The Miri City Council supplied garbage bags and provided garbage disposal trucks to cart away the rubbish, in addition to their strong backing throughout the project. Consumer food products giant, Nestle sponsored energy-sustaining beverages while telecommunications giant Celcom ran a roadshow. The Lutong chapter of Juniors Chambers International came onboard with 15 volunteers participating in the activity.
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| Left :
Starting them young on environmental awareness and to love the
beach. Right : Volunteers loading up the rubbish onto the truck provided by the Miri City Council. |
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“Following the positive response from the participants and success of this project, we aim to make beach clean-ups a regular Miri community activity. We hope to see more volunteers from the local communities, and even beachgoers participating in our upcoming activities,â€� said Andrew Wee, the committee Chairman and Samling’s Assistant General Manager, Group Administration.
The Tanjong Beach clean-up activity will set the pace for a series of community-related activities that form part of Samling’s corporate responsibility programme that will place this year.
December 2007
Shortening the Long March Back to
School
Samling provides
assistance to children to return to school for the new term
A tangible sense of excitement hangs in the air, punctuated by the sounds of children's laughter and animated chatter at Samling's Kelesa Camp. The 16 children from remote villages of the Ulu Baram region in Sarawak are at the camp preparing for the remaining leg of the 142km long journey that will take them back to school in the Bario highlands.
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| One for the
journey. The children and parents at Samling's Kelesa camp, enroute to Bario |
"The rural children's determined pursuit of education is inspiring," Martin Hamilton, Samling's Community Affairs Officer said.
Samling chartered three vehicles and boats to ferry the children together with their anxious parents who accompanied them. Penan community volunteer Seluma Jalong was hired to chaperon and cook for the entourage.
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| The car ride to Pa'Brang and the boat ride that will take them to Pa'Dapur, where it will be a two-hour trek on foot before the entourage will reach Bario. | ||||
"Providing means of transportation, accommodation and food is the least we can do to alleviate the gruelling journey."
With assistance from Samling and access to logging roads, the long march back to school has been shortened by half the time it used to take. Up to two years ago, going back to school entailed a six-day walk in the forest.
"Our children could only come back once a year. Now, they can return home three times a year during the term breaks. Parents can see their kids more frequently," Seluma, whose daughter was one of the children, said.
November 2007
A League of Their Own: Football Brings Ulu Baram Youths Together
November 2007 saw a very special event in Long San village. For the first time in forest village history, more than 50 youths from five villages in the Ulu Baram region of Sarawak came together for the inaugural Long San Cup football tournament.
Youths of different tribes i.e. Penan, Kelabit and Kenyah from villages of Long Main, Long Sabai, Long Lellang, Long Benalih, Long Sait, and Long Semiyang congregated in Long San village to celebrate the culturally diversified event.
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| A handshake of
friendship, a gesture of mutual respect in the true spirit of the game. |
Samling's Community Affairs Department had worked with the villages' youths and communities to organize the tournament. Leveraging on the popularity of the fun sport, football is seen as an effective means of promoting cross community interaction, while bolstering greater understanding and respect between communities.
"I scored two goals!" Larry John, a Penan youth from Long Main exclaimed. When asked about the highpoints during the game, he added, "we enjoyed ourselves and everybody stayed together as a team."
The day was a great success.
The enthusiasm shown by the youths to participate and the willingness of Long San community to support the venture was a true reflection of this fact.
"We hope to have this event once again to be held on 31 August in the spirit of Malaysia's National Day as a way to bring the community together," Philip Kallang, the village headman of Long San said.
The goodies sponsored by Samling such as refreshments, trophies and brand new football attire ensured the young people had a wonderful time. The company had also provided transportation and accommodation for the teams travelling from distant villages.
December 2007
Long Main Produces Penan Graduates
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| Doing Long Main
proud, Roland Allen (left) and Paul John (right) |
Paul is a primary school teacher. He teaches Geography and Bahasa Malaysia in a school in Long Seridan. Roland is pursuing a degree in Communications in University of Malaysia Sarawak in Kuching.
"My ambition is to be a journalist. I want to see the world," Roland said when asked why he chose his field of study. He graduates in 2010.
Teaching is just a temporary job for me. I hope to further my studies," said Paul, who also works as a tour guide in Mulu Caves.
Both Paul and Roland represent a new generation of Penans who believe that education is an agent of change for the development of their community. "It is critical for our community to catch up with the economic development that is happening outside the village so we don't get left behind further," said Paul.
Education give Penan youths like Paul and Roland a head start in life. With brighter career opportunities afforded by an education, they will be able to move on from doing odd jobs.
Paul and Roland are among the beneficiaries of Samling's bursary scheme which provides financial assistance for students' tuition fees, pocket money and air fare to travel home during the semester holidays.
Community Developments in Long Main
A relatively new
settlement, Long Main has come a long way since it was founded in
the1990s. With a population of over 70, the former hunter-gatherers
settled in this satellite community so their children could attend
primary school located in the Long Lellang village nearby.
The village bears the achievement of receiving 24-hour electricity as a result of the Group's electrification scheme. The recent years have seen the community moving from practising subsistence agriculture to wet paddy and crop-growing, and animal husbandry.
Some of the community developments that have taken place in the last year.
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| Wet paddy planting | Animal husbandry, fish-rearing | |
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| Gravity water pipeline for an enhanced irrigation system |
Electricity rewiring scheme
with PVC piping. This prevents short circuits and minimizes
fire risks. Also a result of energy efficiency provided by the
mini-hydro dam project.
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Let there be light. (Left)
Energy produced from the mini-hydro dam supplies 24-hour
electricity to the village. (Right) Street lighting to light
up dark pathways. Villages can now walk from house to house at
night with ease.
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Fire safety awareness.
(Left) Fire hydrants installed to confine the spread of fire.
(Right) Fire drill taking place.The whole village runs the
risk of being diminished in the event of the fire because
wooden houses are closely spaced.
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New Wheels for Malaysian Red Cross
Samling recently donated an ambulance to the Miri Chapter of the Malaysian Red Cross Society (MRCS). The ambulance costing RM123,225 was handed over by Mr. Troy Yaw of Samling Strategic Corporation to the chapter chairman and Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Amar Dr. Chan Hong Nam on 30 August 2007.
"Our small contribution to the MRCS is inconsequential compared to all the good work and voluntary service its members have rendered to the Miri community," Mr. Yaw said.
Dr. Chan thanked the company for its steadfast support over the years. "Samling has always been supportive of our mission and is a fine example of an organisation which understands its role and responsibility as a corporate citizen," says Chan.
Samling has previously donated a pick-up truck, sponsored a semi-detached house for the first prize of the MRCS Raffles ticket sales in one of its fun-raising campaign, bought two dialysis machines, and gave RM100,000 in cash for the hydro therapy pool of Sunflower Centre.
August 2007
Rural Medical Assistance in Long Urun
Forest communities in the rural regions of Sarawak face a number of barriers when seeking health care. These barriers include the availability of healthcare facilities and professionals, affordability of the communities and transportation or accessibility issues. In these rural areas, communities rely heavily on medical volunteers and assistance to reach out to them.
Samling recently joined forces with the Lion Club of Miri to run a rural medical assistance project for the primarily Penan community of Long Urun. The two-day event was held at Tamex Timber's Long Urun Camp. It was a busy day for the health team, all volunteers, who travelled from Miri to provide free medical services such as general health, dental and eye checks, blood tests and pap smears for the 600 people who showed up. Apart from the health screening, donations of daily essentials like milk powder, clothing and food were made to the villagers.
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| Volunteer dentist from Miri giving her patient a dental check | Overwhelming response with more than 600 villagers showing up | |
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| Optician at your doorstep - a villager getting his eyesight checked | General health check in progress |
Homes with water and electricity Some villages we have helped: |
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Ba’Mubui
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Long Beruang
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Long Main
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Long Sepigen
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Penan Service Centre In Long Jekitan village, Samling helped build a Penan Service Centre, consisting of a school, student dormitories, staff quarters and dining and recreational halls. The Centre cost RM1.2 million of which RM230,000 was contributed by the state government. An agriculture office and R&D quarters were also built and plans for a medical centre are in the pipeline. We also contributed a 30hp outboard engine to transport the villagers in this community.
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Nahaha Commercial Centre The State's Agriculture Department started the Nahaha Commercial Centre, a vegetable farm project at Long Na’ah for the Kayan community located near Kelesa Camp. Some 70 Kayans are involved on the project planting a variety of vegetable on their own land. Each Kayan is responsible for his or her plot or rows of vegetables. The produce has a ready market as Samling is a ready buyer of fresh vegetable for our camps' use. In the meantime, Samling stands ready to help the villagers level land to enable them to build new homes. As the village is located across the clear gurgling brook below, the Kayans are also able to use the timber roads to reach other villagers where they can sell their produce. |
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28 February 2014 Samling rushes aid to Long Jegan fire victims Samling came forward with donation in cash and kind to victims of a fire which destroyed 44 of the 80 doors of a Berawan longhouse in Long Jegan, UluTinjar on Wednesday and left some 628 residents homeless. The donation, which includes foodstuff, used clothing, diesel, and a cheque for RM5,000, was handed over today to Penghulu Patrick Jelaman bySamling’sChief Operating Officer; James Ho. Samling has also pledged assistance for the clearing of the burnt site for rebuilding activities. On behalf of his community, Penghulu Patrick Jelaman expressed his gratitude to Samling for the company’s contribution and generosity which was timely and needed as the villagers attempt to rebuild their longhouse. Samling is also currently undertaking the road construction project to Long Jegan under funding by Kementerian KemajuanLuar Bandar dan Wilayah as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts.
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11 April 2014 Samling goes bold and bald for children cancer charity Fifty employees of Samling have bravely stepped forward to voluntarily have their hair shaved off to raise funds and awareness of cancer in children. This is the first time Samling takes partin the annual Go Bald campaign organised by Sarawak Children Cancer Society (SCCS), which is going stronger now in its sixth year. "We have included SCCS’s Go Baldevent into our company's corporate social responsibility (CSR) portfolio as we have seen and believe in the good work that they are doing. We shared this with our staff and encouraged them to participate by either going bald or by donating money towards the fund," said James Ho, Samling’s Chief Operating Officer. Total collection from staff to date isRM14,573.50, and Yaw Teck Seng Foundation has pledged a sum that matches every ringgit collected by staff. "It may not be an easy decision to go sit in the barber’s chair, but we trust that the money collected from this effort will go a long way in helping many of the children cancer patients and their families in terms of financial aid and other means of support. We are proud to be associated with and giving to this noble cause," added Ho. A satelite shave was organised at the Group’s headquarters today.Everyone was in high spirits cheering their fellow colleagues who sat in the hot seats. The busy work week could not have ended better than having come together to throw support for a worthy endeavour. |
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11 June 2013 Perdana ParkCity donates ambulance to St John Ambulans Malaysia WP Perdana ParkCity Sdn Bhd donated an ambulance to St John Ambulans Malaysia Wilayah Persekutuan (SJAM WP) recently. The fully-equipped vehicle was handed over by Perdana ParkCity Sdn Bhd finance director R K Pany to the SJAM WP officials and witnessed by SJAM commander-in-chief Dato Dr Low Bin Tick at DesaParkCity, Kuala Lumpur. The donation would enable SJAM WP to provide better services through its 24-hour voluntary Emergency Medical Assistance Service (Emas) to the public. SJAM WP has been operating the 24-hour Emas since 1998 and despite limited sources, has handled over 16,000 emergencies of which 421 are CPR (situation where a patient has no pulse and has stopped breathing) cases. "With better resources, in the form of additional or new ambulances and funds, we hope to increase our capacity and capability to serve the society." "We will continue to seek support and assistance from the corporate bodies and the public to help us help others in providing complimentary Emas for the community," Dr Low pledged in his appreciation speech at the simple handover ceremony. According to Dr Low, it utilises donations from the public which are tax exempted, and proceeds from fundraising activities such as the annual Flag Day and charity events to finance its operations. As for the administrative expenses, they were met mainly with funds from conducting first aid courses as well as public duties. Last November, SJAM WP held a fundraising dinner with proceeds used to purchase the much-needed ambulance to operate the Emas. Realising the great need, Perdana ParkCity Sdn Bhd generously responded by donating RM200,000 to enable SJAM WP to fulfill its goal of acquiring another ambulance for its emergency operation. Among those present at the ceremony were SJAM WP regional commander Dr Kim Loi Kheng Min, regional honorary secretary Kartigesan and regional honorary treasurer Wong Fong Lin.
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2011
Elegant Living establishes programme to help improve lives of children in remote area
In 2011, Elegant Living started a nutrition programme(给孩子加个菜)to encourage and improve diet and growth of children in mountain areas.This was followed by shoe giving project (为孩子送双鞋) to ensure every child has a pair of shoes and also a book drive (请孩子读本书) to encourage reading and learning.
