05/05/2025

First page Previous page 6 Next page Last page

MONDAY | MAY 5, 2025

ON FACEBOOK

Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

Rainy season brings hard times for rural families SIK: The rainy season not only brings weather changes but also affects the daily lives of thousands of rural families who depend on natural resources for survival. Rainy days are particularly challenging for rubber tappers as they cannot work, losing their primary income source. This is the reality for Siti Zaleha Harun, 41, from Kampung Dusun here, who relies on rubber tapping to support her six children after her husband was partially paralysed several years ago. “My family relies on the income from rubber tapping to buy daily necessities and pay for the schooling of three of my six children. However, it has been raining frequently over the past couple of weeks, which has prevented me from going out to work, and my income has been affected.“ She said government aid through Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) provides hope, helping her family cover daily expenses. She said the STR and Sara assistances have been crucial in helping the family meet household needs, school expenses and care for her husband. “My husband was recently admitted to the hospital for treatment. I used the STR aid to purchase disposable diapers for him. “Without this help, it would be tough for me to provide for my husband’s needs, given how little and inconsistent the income from rubber tapping is,“ she said, expressing hope that the government would increase aid for those in need. Another rubber tapper Mohd Zahir Md Aris, 45, from Kampung Charuk Tok Pong said his income is insufficient to support his family, including four school-going children. “The income from rubber tapping is not enough, especially with the rainy season. My wife also earns a little by babysitting to help support the family. The Sara and STR aid can at least lighten the burden for groceries and daily needs,“ he said. The government started distributing the second phase of the STR payments on March 24, allocating RM1.7 billion, which is an increase from RM1.5 billion last year. Nearly nine million recipients, comprising 60% of Malaysia’s adult population, are set to receive aid of up to RM650. Sara is a Madani government initiative to reduce the cost-of-living burden for recipients by crediting aid directly to their MyKad. As of April 1, the Sara programme expanded to 5.4 million recipients, increasing about eightfold from 700,000. Monthly assistance has been raised to as much as RM200, depending on the category, which is an increase from the previous amount of RM100. – Bernama

38-year-old pursues education behind bars

KUALA LUMPUR: Despite spending 23 years behind bars, a man who asked to be known as Murad never gave up his pursuit of knowledge. His perseverance has been rewarded as he received his PhD in Business Administration at Open University Malaysia’s (OUM) 29th convocation. The 38-year-old was placed under Tahanan Limpah Sultan (detained at the pleasure of the ruler) at the Kajang Prison in 2001 when he was 14 years old. He began his educational journey in prison in 2006 with the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, followed by the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM). Originally from Kota Marudu in Sabah, Murad moved to Peninsular Malaysia at a young age. After completing his STPM, he applied to OUM through the Prisons Department. He admitted that the decision was difficult due to the scepticism and discouragement he faced from those around him. Sixteen years after enrolling at OUM and beginning with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with honours, Murad was conferred the PhD in Business Administration by OUM pro-chancellor Tan Sri Azman Hashim, marking a triumphant conclusion to his long academic journey. “I would like to express gratitude to OUM for believing in me and supporting my pursuit of higher education, which has led to the completion of my PhD. I am also thankful to the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah for granting me a royal pardon. “The reason I remain strong and motivated to pursue higher education is the encouragement and support I receive from the community. I am trying to prove to society and fellow inmates that I, too, am capable of change and success,” he told reporters at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. Murad was granted a royal pardon by o Imprisoned since age of 14, man earns PhD in business administration

Murad receiving his PhD from Azman on Saturday. – BERNAMAPIC

children’s academic achievements to return to the classroom. “I was inspired to continue my studies after seeing all three of my children complete theirs. I believe that senior citizens must equip themselves with sufficient knowledge to improve their lives,” said the former press secretary and retired civil servant. Special officer to the chairman of Bernama, Azlinda Zainudin, 44, received the President’s Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement after earning a master’s degree in management. “I thank Allah for this. This award is not just for me. It belongs to everyone who supported me, including my family, lecturers and friends.” Since its establishment in 2000, OUM has produced over 120,000 graduates across diploma to doctoral levels, and will celebrate its 25th anniversary in August.

Sultan Sharafuddin in conjunction with His Royal Highness’ birthday last December. The Muslim convert said he is passionate about promoting entrepreneurship among former inmates, adding that his next goal is to establish a small business that will provide them with opportunities for a better future. At the same ceremony, two senior graduates were honoured with the Lifelong Learning Award in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements, Bernama reported. Yusuf Haron, 73, from Perak, who earned a master’s degree in Islamic studies, expressed delight and gratitude to OUM for bestowing him with the award. “At this stage in my life, I am thankful that OUM welcomed me to continue my studies.” Tang Tung Khing, 79, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications with honours, shared that he was inspired by his

Education matters remain an important component of Malaysian society. Today the landscape is fast paced with new exciting developments in technology such as AI, coding, virtual reality, and cybersecurity, leading the way for changes in curriculum development. To showcase the latest and most updated content, we invite you join us in 2025, and be part of our Education Focus!

Malaysian Paper

Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Maker