BINTULU: A total of 2,258 pupils from the B40 group and Girl Guides from 29 secondary and primary schools in Bintulu affected by recent floods received school equipment donations from the Sarawak Branch of the Girl Guides Association of Malaysia and OCI TerraSus Sdn Bhd.
Headmaster of SK Bintulu, Mohamed Khaidir Mohamed Arebi, described the disaster not only as a test for those who faced it but also as a test for the community to assess their level of concern and willingness to help.
“An individual’s hardship is not merely a test for them but also an opportunity for the surrounding community to show empathy and take action to assist,” he said.
According to him, the disaster had not only damaged school facilities but also had a profound emotional impact on pupils who lost their school supplies.
“This disaster tests the resilience of many, but at the same time, it provides an opportunity for us to demonstrate care and empathy,” he said in his speech at the donation ceremony for B40 pupils and Girl Guides affected by the floods on January 29.
He also expressed his appreciation to the patron of the Sarawak Branch of the Girl Guides Association of Malaysia, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, and the association for selecting SK Bintulu as the recipient of the donation.
Mohamed Khaidir emphasised that the assistance was not only to ease the burden of flood victims but also to motivate pupils to continue their schooling with enthusiasm.
He also extended his gratitude to the Resident of Bintulu Division, Datuk Nyuak Keti, who is also the chairman of the Bintulu Division Disaster Management Committee, for the RM120,000 allocation provided to the Bintulu District Education Office to repair affected schools, including SK Bintulu.
“This aid not only alleviates burdens but also lifts spirits. It is proof that in difficult times, we are not alone—there are many willing to lend a helping hand,” he said with deep appreciation.
