RM250,000 in donations for heroes

KUALA LUMPUR: Thanks to the generosity of Malaysians, the Tabung Wira Lahad Datu by Media Prime now stands at RM250,000. Among the latest donors were Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur which donated RM10,000 to the fund at a cheque presentation ceremony at Media Prima headquarters here yesterday.

The cheque was presented by the hotel's vice-president/general manager  Lothar Nessmann to Media Prima Berhad chief operating officer of group shared services, Datuk Kamal Khalid. Nessmann said he hoped their contribution would inspire others to lend a helping hand to the injured security personnel and the families of the deceased Malaysian security forces.

"Our thoughts go to the family of those involved in the Sabah east coast incident and we hope it will end soon."

Present was Shangri-la Hotel Kuala Lumpur's area director of communication Datuk Rosemarie Wee. Meanwhile, the Social Care Foundation contributed RM160,000 to the fund yesterday.

Its founder and chairman Tan Sri Robert Phang Miow Sin handed over the cheque to NSTP Corporate Communications head Wan Abdillah Wan Nawi in a simple ceremony at the Maya Hotel. Phang said each family of the slain security personnel would receive RM20,000 from the donation.

Phang said the tragedy marked a sad occurrence in the country's history and that all Malaysians should unite and pay tribute to the servicemen defending the country's sovereignty. He also called on Malaysians to donate to the fund.

Meanwhile, the Fire and Rescue Department is ready to assist the country's security forces in dealing with the terrorists in Sabah.

Its director-general Datuk Wan Mohd Nor Ibrahim said stations in Lahad Datu, Semporna, Kunak and Tawau were on standby for any eventuality.

The Tabung Wira Lahad Datu was established on Saturday and was officially launched yesterday by Media Prima executive director (news and editorial operations) Datuk Ahmad A. Talib.

Ahmad said they decided to activate the fund in response to the sacrifices of the security personnel injured or killed while protecting the nation's sovereignty in Sabah.

"We hope the contributions channelled through this fund will alleviate their burden and we welcome support and contributions, regardless of the amount contributed."

Donors can channel their contributions to Sistem Televisyen Malaysia Bhd's Maybank account at 514271339000.

Chairman of Social Care Foundation Tan Sri Robert Phang Miow Sin (second from right) presenting the mock cheque to NSTP’s head of corporate communication department Wan Abdillah Wan Nawi. With them are former deputy minister of women, family and community development Datuk Heng Seai Kie and foundation trustee Datuk Wei Chuan Beng. Pic by Chan Wai Yew

Source : http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/rm250-000-in-donations-for-heroes-1.229553