PTPTN, HARIAN METRO PROVIDE BACK-TO-SCHOOL AID TO 200 STUDENTS IN PENANG

GEORGE TOWN, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- A total of 200 students from two schools in Penang have been selected to receive aid through the Titipan Kasih Back to School Programme, organised by the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) in collaboration with Harian Metro.

The students from Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Bukit Gelugor and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Datuk Haji Mohamed Nor Ahmad received school uniforms and bags at a ceremony held at SK Bukit Gelugor here today.

According to PTPTN chairman Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim, the corporation had provided RM37,000 in school supply aid to help ease the financial burden on parents preparing for the start of the 2025 school session next Monday.

She explained that the Titipan Kasih Back to School programme was part of PTPTN’s annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and was in its second year of implementation, in collaboration with Harian Metro.

“These two schools were chosen due to the critical issue of urban poverty. We hope that the assistance provided will ease the burden on parents as their children begin the new school session.

“It is hoped that this initiative will continue and that more parties will come forward to help, particularly those from the underprivileged. We do not want any student to drop out because of financial difficulties,” she said after officiating the programme. 

Present at the event were Harian Metro Group editor and Titipan Kasih Project chairman Husain Jahit; Penang deputy director of education (Student Development Sector) Mohamad Said Ibrahim; Media Prima’s Group Corporate Communications Department and the Group Chairman’s Office general manager Azlan Abdul Aziz; PTPTN corporate communications and marketing senior general manager Wan Zawiah Wan Abu Bakar; and PTPTN Penang state director Muhammad Muhsin Abdul Rahman.

Norliza stated that, in addition to the school supply aid, Media Prima Berhad had generously donated RM20,000, with each student receiving RM100, which would be credited to their National Education Savings Scheme (Simpan SSPN) Prime account.

“This programme also reflects PTPTN’s commitment to making education accessible to all. We firmly believe that every student deserves an equal chance to succeed, and we hope our efforts will not only alleviate the financial burden on underprivileged families but also motivate children to begin the school year with renewed confidence and hope,” she said.

Meanwhile, Husain expressed hope that the donation would help cultivate a culture of saving among students from a young age, enabling them to plan their educational journey more wisely.

“The initiative, implemented by Harian Metro, also reflects Media Prima Berhad’s commitment to giving back to society. Through various programmes, we aim to continuously make a positive impact on the well-being and quality of life of the community,” he said.

Norlaili Kasim Baba, 52, from Jelutong, said that the assistance was a great relief as it helped reduce the expenses for her children’s school supplies, especially with Ramadan and Syawal approaching, which would require substantial spending.

“This programme has also made me realise the importance of saving for my children’s education through Simpan SSPN. I didn't know about this savings fund before, but from now on, I will start saving for their future,” said the mother of two.

Mohd Fauzi Wa Daud, 42, expressed his gratitude for the efforts made by PTPTN and Harian Metro, noting that their assistance significantly eased the burden on those in the B40 group in meeting their children’s schooling needs.

“I have two kids still in school, and the cost of buying uniforms and supplies is quite high, so the donation I received today is a huge help,” he said.

--BERNAMA