When our finance minister, Lim Guan Eng, revealed our country’s RM1 trillion debt, many Malaysians reached out to the government requesting a channel that will allow us to donate money to help solve the pilling national debt. True Malaysian spirit!
Granting the request of the people, our beloved prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad announced the setup of Tabung Harapan Malaysia (THM) on 30 May 2018.
The fund was mainly created to protect us from scams that claim to be the official fund.
Amazingly, Malaysians were quick to contribute to THM by raising RM7 million within 24 hours after the announcement of the fund. Wow!
Since then, the fund continued to increase rapidly, where as of 17 June 2018 the money collected stands at approximately RM74 million. Whoa!
Many contributed, but there are some that donated an unimaginable amount. Therefore to honour these amazing people, here’s a list of the FOUR unsung heroes who have donated millions of ringgit to THM.
1. RM1 million from Sabah’s Servay Hypermarket
Witnessed by Sandakan’s MP Stephen Wong, Sabah’s Servay Hypermarket donated RM1 million to THM in hopes to encourage Sabahans to donate too. They certainly managed to set a good example for Sabahans!
“We hope more people will come forward to help the country,” said Datuk Seri Lai Kock Poh, chairman of Servay Hypermarket.
After donating the huge amount, he also took the liberty to praise fellow Malaysians for being very generous.
He was quoted as saying,
“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.”
True that, bro!
2. RM2 million from real estate developer and cabbies
Jumping on the bandwagon, real estate company Seri Pajam Development Sdn Bhd and Cameron Highlands Taxi Drivers’ Association donated more than RM2 million to THM.
Reports revealed that the Negri Sembilan-based real estate company donated a lump sum of RM2 million while the taxi drivers’ association donated RM1,500.
These cheques were received by Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, who thanked them for helping the country in times of need.
“We are thankful to corporate companies who have come and given big amounts, but the government also appreciates all contributions, big or small, from the people,” said Loke.
Well, we are thankful for these kindhearted Malaysians too!
3. RM2.5 million from companies in Penang
Joining hands in times of trouble, four companies in Penang donated a collective amount of RM2.5 million to the fund.
These amazing Penang-based companies are;
- Aspen Group – RM1 million
- Ideal Property Group – RM1 million
- Lumson Bina Engineering – RM200,000
- Unimech Group Berhad – RM300,000
They are living examples of “teamwork makes the dream work”!
The cheques were received by Penang’s chief minister, Chow Kon Yew on the behalf of the finance ministry.
“Although the donations might not resolve the country’s debts at a speed that we would like, the patriotic spirit of Malaysians prevails and has united all of us,” he shared.
4. RM3 million from Mah Sing Group Bhd
Taking the ‘trophy’ as the biggest donor in this list (not that it’s a competition!) is Mah Sing Group Bhd, who donated a whopping RM3 million to THM. Kudos, Mah Sing!
In a statement by Mah Sing, Group Managing Director Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum said that the donation was a part of Mah Sing’s social corporate responsibility initiative. And a great initiative it is, to say the least!
An excerpt from the statement reads,
“For the first time in Malaysia’s history, we are seeing a groundswell of support to crowd-raise funds for the country, and as a public-listed company that is growing with the nation and serving the people’s needs, we are glad to be part of this effort.”
Well, we applaud Mah Sing for their generosity!
United we stand, divided we fall!
This proverb aptly describes Malaysians – including the ones not on the list – who have come together to solve the country’s greatest debt. We also thank Malaysians for taking the initiative to extend a helping hand to solve a national crisis.
Let’s make sure that this teamwork doesn’t end here and passes on to future generations so that the true Malaysian spirit may never cease.
P.S. If you wish to donate to the Tabung Harapan Malaysia, here’s how you can find out more information!
Malaysia Boleh!
Also read: Senior Citizens Raise Funds for Tabung Harapan By Busking in Penang with Pots & Cans