PNB CHANNELS RM650,000 TO IMPLEMENT SANTUNI MADANI PROGRAMME IN KG TELOK KANDIS

ALOR SETAR, March 8 (Bernama) -- Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) has allocated RM650,000 to implement various initiatives under the Santuni MADANI programme in Kampung Telok Kandis here.

PNB deputy president and group chief executive Datuk Rick Ramli said the focus is on community economic development, education and the welfare of local residents.

He said the initiative, introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is to ensure that the benefits of economic development are felt directly by grassroots communities.

According to him, in addition to Kampung Telok Kandis, PNB has also allocated RM670,000 to implement a similar programme in Kampung Merlimau Pantai, Melaka, bringing the total allocation for both villages to RM1.32 million.

“PNB’s mission is to build shared prosperity, and every investment undertaken must provide direct value to the community while creating long-term opportunities for future generations,” he said at the Santuni MADANI Ramadan and Iftar Perdana programmes held in the village last night.

Rick said through the programme, 13 local entrepreneurs received guidance from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), covering the strengthening of business fundamentals, digitalisation of operations and expansion of market access to enhance income sustainability and stimulate the rural economy.

 PNB had also funded the construction of an open multipurpose hall, upgraded the Tabika KEMAS preschool and carried out repair works on the village entrance gate to improve public facilities and strengthen the local community’s identity.

The investment company had also channelled cash assistance and basic food supplies to 60 asnaf, as well as donated medical beds and wheelchairs to families in need of healthcare support.

In efforts to support the development of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), 10 students from villages in the Kota Setar and Sik districts received PNB TVET scholarships to pursue diploma studies in accounting, engineering and business.

He said Sekolah Kebangsaan Alor Mengkudu here had also been selected as a PNB’s Sekolah Angkat MADANI (MADANI Adopted School), with contributions of smart televisions as well as assistance for asnaf students to support digital learning and the holistic development of pupils.

He added that the implementation of the Santuni MADANI programme in Kampung Telok Kandis reflects PNB’s comprehensive approach in ensuring that investments by government-linked companies translate into direct benefits for the people, in line with the country’s inclusive development agenda.

“PNB is committed to ensuring that every initiative implemented truly impacts the lives of the people by strengthening the economy, expanding access to education and improving community well-being in a sustainable manner,” he added.

Meanwhile, one of the entrepreneurs who benefited from guidance by UUM, Mohd Redzuan Zainal, 43, a catering and frozen food entrepreneur, said the programme had given him the confidence to further expand his business.

“The equipment and mentoring sessions have helped me better understand how to manage my business and explore new opportunities. I am grateful that organisations such as PNB continue to support small entrepreneurs in our community in Kampung Telok Kandis,” he said.

-- BERNAMA