28/12/2025

NATIONAL 6 theSun on Sunday DEC 28, 2025

RM46 million in CSR aid touches lives nationwide

Traditional healing crafts on display in Johor JOHOR BAHRU: The scent of forest wood, the glimmer of prayer beads and bracelets, and the display of traditional swords at the Fitrah Alam booth drew many visitors at the Johor Craft Festival 2025, with each item carrying stories of heritage, knowledge and Islamic healing. Fitrah Alam founder Wan Fitrah, 51, said every product is created from the belief that nature is a trust from Allah that must be used wisely, not merely as handicrafts but also as support for health and personal protection. “In Islamic healing, we use this wood as an energy enhancer. These beneficial woods are used as a means of recovery, as remedies, protection against spirits and against toxins,” he said when met at the festival at Padang Akasia, Angsana Mall here on Friday. Among the woods used in his products are black kemuning , reverse rattan, elephant taming wood, king wood, nibong , bertam shoot, black antidote wood, la’qa, luz , ebony, kekabu core, pasung , ciku core, bamboo tikam kayu , tas, gemunggal , solid bamboo, warrior core, nagasari and flower charcoal. Wan Fitrah explained that black kemuning and black antidote wood are commonly used as remedies for illness, witchcraft and poison, while king wood helps strengthen bones and joints due to its natural oil content. “For defensive purposes, woods such as nibong and bertam shoots are used for protection against dangerous animals. Every type of wood has its own benefit and purpose,” he said while showing visitors his collection. From these rainforest materials, he crafts swords, walking sticks, pendants, bracelets, rings, prayer beads and oils, with each piece carefully made, resulting in unique and highly valued products. Prices range from as low as RM5 to several hundred ringgit, depending on the type of wood, level of craftsmanship and the spiritual value associated with the item. Originally from Kelantan, Wan Fitrah said his early knowledge of the craft was inherited from his wife’s family in Pahang, before being further refined and introduced to a wider audience. He said exhibitions such as the Johor Craft Festival 2025 are not only platforms to sell products but also important opportunities to introduce local heritage, traditional knowledge and craftsmanship to the young generation. – Bernama

STM Lottery’s year-long initiatives reach communities through festive, social and environmental

Nerine (right) and Lim with senior citizens during one of the CSR events. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA /THESUN

programmes Ű BY ANDREW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Throughout 2025, STM Lottery, through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, reached out to Malaysians from all walks of life by extending a helping hand and touching hearts nationwide. The company distributed about RM46,137,000 in cash and in kind – including its annual contribution to the National Sports Council – to support festive donations, sports events, education and environmental programmes as well as ad hoc requests from community groups. In the spirit of Chinese New Year, STM Lottery continued its long-standing tradition of giving back through the 38th Sports Toto Chinese New Year Ang Pow Donation Campaign. This year, the initiative reached more than 19,000 underprivileged elderly individuals across Malaysia, spreading festive cheer and support. The campaign was launched on Jan 16 at Berjaya Times Square in a ceremony officiated by then Finance Deputy Minister Lim Hui Ying. Sports Toto Berhad chief executive officer Nerine Tan, in her opening address, said the campaign went beyond financial assistance. “This campaign is more than an act of giving. It is a celebration of care, compassion and community, values that are at the heart of STM Lottery and our Helping Hands programme,” she said.

company contributed about RM43,000 to seven charity homes and NGOs. Each organisation received RM3,500 in cash and RM1,500 in shopping vouchers to support daily operations and basic needs. Children and adults residing in the homes or attending learning programmes at the NGOs also received RM30 each in the form of ang pows . Company volunteers personally delivered the donations and spent time engaging with beneficiaries, reflecting STM Lottery’s commitment to inclusivity and community outreach during cultural celebrations. On April 26, in support of environmental sustainability, STM Lottery partnered environmental group MY Clean Beach to conduct a shore clean-up at Pantai Jeram in Selangor. The campaign concluded with the collection of 214kg of waste and an educational session on sustainable practices conducted by MY Clean Beach. STM Lottery also sponsored a solar panel installation project at Yayasan Sunbeams Home under its Helping Hands initiative. The solar panels were installed at the boys’ dormitory on Jan 20 and officially launched during a ceremony attended by Yayasan Sunbeams Home founder Pastor Alvin O.S. Tan and Giam.

The annual initiative aims to ensure that no needy senior citizen is left behind during the festive season. Each recipient received an ang pow and a mini festive hamper, symbolising not only financial support but also respect, care and remembrance. In March and May, STM Lottery organised two Hari Raya charity initiatives benefitting about 50 children and 50 underprivileged families. On March 13, staff volunteers distributed food baskets to B40 families living at the Kampung Lindungan flats in Bandar Sunway, Selangor, helping to ease festive expenses and enable families to celebrate Hari Raya comfortably. On May 24, the company hosted a breaking-of-fast event for children from Rumah Anak-Anak Yatim Al Barakh at the Bukit Jalil Golf and Country Resort. The children enjoyed a festive meal, received duit raya and mini hampers from STM Lottery general manager for communications and sustainability Giam Say Khoon, and took part in games and activities. From May 20 to 23, STM Lottery carried out its Sports Toto Harvest and Gawai Donation Drive, bringing festive cheer to underprivileged communities in Sabah and Sarawak. Through its Helping Hands initiative, the

Education retains its importance in the Malaysian landscape for parents, students and stakeholders. The changes are fast paced with new developments in new fields of study such as cybersecurity, data protection, augmented and virtual reality, machine learning in education, digital education and artificial Intelligence. Leading the way are universities, who are invited to showcase their latest programmes, curriculum and content in our Education Focus for 2026.

Contact us now for special deals on digital, video and print advertising. 03-7784 6688 advertise@thesundaily.com

thesun.my