Penang JBPM Channels RM20,000 To Help Students And Firefighters’ Children

BATU KAWAN, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- The Penang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), through its Sports, Welfare and Cultural Association, contributed RM20,000 to purchase school supplies for 200 recipients under its Back to School programme.

State JBPM director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah said the programme reflects the department’s commitment beyond rescue duties to also include social responsibility to the community.

He said of the total, RM10,000 was distributed to five primary and secondary schools in Batu Kawan, with each school receiving RM2,000, involving 100 students, while the remaining RM10,000 was given to the children of JBPM personnel.

“This is the first time we are extending contributions to schools, with a focus on underprivileged students. Although Batu Kawan is an industrial area, many locals work as fishermen and farmers.

“We aim to help lighten their burden in preparing school necessities for their children, while also not forgetting the families of our firefighters,” he told reporters after the presentation ceremony officiated by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at the Penang JBPM headquarters here today.

Mohamad Shoki said this year, JBPM will celebrate its Golden Jubilee as the country’s rescue institution, making the celebration especially significant as it reflects the continuity of its people-centred and humanitarian values after 50 years of service on the frontline of public safety.

Meanwhile, Chow commended JBPM’s initiative to assist not only its personnel but also the community, stating that it demonstrated the agency’s concern for the welfare of the locals.

“This whole-of-society spirit is what will ensure Penang continues to move forward as a progressive, resilient and inclusive state, with economic growth in line with social justice,” he said.

-- BERNAMA