Seremban-based property developer Matrix Concepts donated a further RM2 million to Tabung Harapan Malaysia, fulfilling its promise and bringing its total contribution to the fund to RM5 million (Photo: Matrix Concepts)
Donations continue to pour in for the government’s crowdfunding initiative, Tabung Harapan Malaysia (THM), which has amassed more than RM90.3 million at press time. The overwhelming response to reduce the nation’s RM1 trillion debt is not only a demonstration of patriotic spirit but also an exercise in altruism. While large corporations have been urged to contribute to the national debt relief fund, let us not forget the goodwill of the rakyat who showed support and sincerity in their own way.
For example, the Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) Hawkers Welfare Association, which consists of around 200 traders, collected a total donation of RM12,350 over a period of 10 days from their members and customers who visited the market. Even the young are playing their part: A group of children and teenagers operated a car wash service in their residential area at Taman Yarl, Jalan Klang Lama to raise money for the national fund. On the other hand, a nine-year-old pupil from SJKT Port Dickson sold stationery to her schoolmates before donating the money to THM, while SMK Bandar Utama Damansara (4) collected RM3,000 via the school’s three-day donation drive.
Moved by Malaysians who rallied together to ease the burden of the country, numerous corporate leaders – including those who contributed through The Edge’s Cook for a Cause culinary initiative – have come forward to make donations. Here are just some of the corporate companies that set out to help reduce the government’s debt.
Mah Sing Group Bhd
Total donation: RM3 million
The property developer donated the funds to THM at the Finance Ministry in Putrajaya. Its group managing director Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum said in a report by The Edge, “For the first time in Malaysia’s history, we are seeing a groundswell of support to crowd-raise funds for the country. Everyone is inspired to help in their own way and as a public-listed company growing with the nation and serving the people’s needs, we are glad to be part of this effort.”
Ideal Property, Aspen Group, Lumson Bina Engineering and Unimech Group Bhd
Total donation: RM2.5 million
The four companies presented a mock cheque of RM2.5 million to the Penang state government, which was received by chief minister Chow Kon Yeow at his office at the Tun Abdul Razak Complex (Komtar). Aspen Group’s president and group chief executive Datuk M Murly said its RM1 million donation was part of the company’s responsibility as “proud Malaysian corporate citizens”. He also added, “We will stand together with the government in this time of need. We hope with this little gesture, we can help the government make Malaysia great again.”
Spritzer Bhd and Yee Lee Corporation Bhd (known for its Red Eagle cooking oil)
Total donation: RM1 million
The two Perak-based companies each donated RM500,000 to the fund. Teluk Intan MP Nga Kor Ming praised the act and labelled it a kind gesture on a voluntary basis. Spritzer executive director Dr Chuah Chaw Teo, who represented both companies, hopes that this will “encourage others to rise up and come forward to help the country face the challenges ahead”.
Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd
Total donation: RM5 million
The Negeri Sembilan-based developer, which first donated RM3 million, added another RM2 million to THM, fulfilling its total contribution of RM5 million. Its chairman Datuk Mohamad Haslah Mohamad Amin told the press at the cheque presentation ceremony at Wisma Negeri, “The donation this time was raised in a week, courtesy of the board of directors, staff, partners and subsidiaries. As the state’s largest developer, we felt compelled to continue to lend a hand on matters which can benefit the people.”
Ewein Bhd and Magni-Tech Industries Berhad (as well as Magni-Tech’s executive chairman Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping)
Total donation: RM3 million
Finance minister Lim Guan Eng was presented the mock cheque in the presence of Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. The Penang-based Ewein Bhd property development company announced that the donation hopes to contribute towards alleviating the country’s debt.
YKL Group
Total donation: RM1 million
The manufacturer of machineries used in the palm oil industry claimed that the donation is to help the country in time of need. YKL Group Chairman Yeo Koon Lian said, “I just want to help our country so all Malaysians will have a better standard of living. The country has a burden and as a Malaysian, it’s my responsibility to help in any way I can.”
Seri Pajam Development Sdn Bhd and Cameron Highlands Taxi Drivers’ Association
Total donation: RM2,001,500
Real estate company Seri Pajam, based in Negeri Sembilan, donated RM2 million, while the taxi drivers’ association contributed RM1,500. Transport Minister Anthony Loke commended the act and expressed his gratitude for helping the government in a Malay Mail report, “This shows the people of Malaysia, regardless of which level of society they come from, have come forward, from home developers to taxi drivers… We hope the efforts and spirit of national pride and love will continue for here on, to help us reach our goals and develop the country.”
Amim Dental Surgery
Total donation: RM1 million
Though not a company per se, the clinic – which has five branches in Johor Baru namely in Menara Landmark, Taman Universiti, Taman Tampoi Indah, Bandar Seri Alam and Damansara Aliff – made a RM1 million donation on behalf of its 30 dentists and staff. Owner Dr Armin Sarnon told the press, “This is part of our contribution to the country. We made the contribution on behalf of the staff because we are proud of their contribution to the clinic and we would not be here without their hard work.”
Servay Hypermarket Sdn Bhd
Total donation: RM 1 million
Its chairman Dato’ Sri Lai Kock Poh hopes that this contribution would get the ball rolling for more donations from Sabah. Sandakan MP Stephen Wong, who received the cheque, lauded the company’s effort, “We have had so many generous donors as seen from the updated amount in Tabung Harapan and this is an indication that Malaysians truly care for the country.”
Those who wish to contribute to the fund can do so via Maybank account 5660 1062 6452.
