Awang Tengah, flanked on his left by Dayang Morliah and Henry, presents raya goodies to the orphans.
LAWAS: The public is urged to donate generously to the building fund of a PDK (training and rehabilitation) permanent building here which will take about RM400,000 to complete.
Second Minister of Resource Planning and Environment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said this at the presentation of Hari Raya goodies to 230 orphans and people with special needs at Lawas Indoor Stadium yesterday.
He said a piece of land in the town had been approved by the state government for the purpose following a request by PDK Lawas. Lawas District Council, meanwhile, has been assigned to carry out the project which was first mooted by his wife and Sabati secretary Datuk Dayang Morliah Awang Daud in 2010.
Morliah, who has been in the forefront of getting the disabled (OKUs) to be assisted, said those registered with the centre would be eligible for community-based rehabilitation programmes supervised by the Welfare Department.
The formation and operation of PDK Lawas is welcomed by the public. Previously OKUs here came under the care of Semai Bakti programme through Perkim Lawas. It started operation at Perkim building here.
Awang Tengah, meanwhile, said the permanent centre would come equipped with proper facilities and trained staff who were competent and caring in the education and rehabilitation of the OKUs.
“The staff must have the concern and patience as they are dealing with children with special needs,” he said.
Awang Tengah appealed to the private sector to donate generously to the building fund as part of their CSR obligations and care for needy groups in Lawas.
Addressing parents with disabled children, the minister urged them to be strong and determined in ensuring a better quality of life and future for their charges.
“Every OKU child is special in his or her own way, and parents should not be disheartened but reach out to help available,” he said.
On the proposed Peryatim Orphanage in Lawas, he said the earth-filling work was progressing well, paving the way for construction work to begin.
The project was approved by former chief minister and current Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud. It will cater for the needs of orphans in Limbang and Lawas districts.
“There are many orphans sent to Miri and Kuching presently, and Peryatim Lawas can address this need for both Muslims and non-Muslim orphans, “ he said.
Peryatim centres focus on providing shelter and conducive environment for orphans to concentrate on pursuing a good education as a stepping stone to a better future.
Awg Tengah urged orphans to strengthen their resolve to better their future through good education and skills as the government had created many opportunities for them.
The presentation ceremony was arranged by Perkim Lawas branch in collaboration with Bukit Sari Service Centre with sponsorships from Aman Mantap, Tecktonic & Sons, Jade Star and East Majuro Development.
Awang Tengah and his wife later presented goodies to the recipients. They were assisted by Aman Mantap chairman Samat Othman and Lee Chin Teck the managing director of Tecktonic & Sons.
Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong, Lawas District Officer Hussaini Hakim and local community leaders were among those present.