Penang: 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 today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, PTPTN chairman Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim stated that 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.
Norliza emphasized the choice of the two schools due to urban poverty issues, expressing hope that the assistance will ease the burden on parents as their children begin the new school session. She stressed the importance of preventing students from dropping out due to financial difficulties and encouraged more parties to contribute to similar initiatives.
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 also announced that Media Prima Berhad had donated RM20,000, with each student receiving RM100, credited to their National Education Savings Scheme (Simpan SSPN) Prime account. She highlighted PTPTN's commitment to making education accessible to all, aiming to alleviate financial burdens and motivate students to start the school year positively.
Husain Jahit expressed hope that the donation would encourage a culture of saving among students, helping them plan their educational journey wisely. He noted that Harian Metro and Media Prima Berhad aim to positively impact community well-being through various programmes.
Local parents also shared their gratitude. Norlaili Kasim Baba from Jelutong expressed relief at the assistance, especially with upcoming expenses during Ramadan and Syawal. She also recognized the importance of saving for her children's education through Simpan SSPN. Mohd Fauzi Wa Daud appreciated the help from PTPTN and Harian Metro, noting that it significantly eased the financial burden on the B40 group, particularly with school-related expenses.