Lee and Boon (third and second left, respectively) jointly perform the unveiling of the plaque to mark the official opening of the Masa Centre in Desa Senadin. Also seen is Pujut assemblyman Dr Ting Tiong Choon (fourth right).
MIRI: The establishment of Miri Ability Services Association (Masa) Centre in Desa Senadin here is meant to help individuals with special needs (OKU) wishing to develop their skills in various fields.
This centre is the brainchild of the association president Boon Foo Ping, who is an OKU himself.
According to him, Masa has been in operation since June this year and since then, it has helped more than 40 OKUs from various backgrounds.
“Our objective is to help our OKU friends improve themselves in any field that they like such as sports, crafts or even to further their studies.
“Apart from that, we also do house visits to give support to those who have limited mobility. We hope that we could help our OKU friends enjoy better lives and able to become independent,” he said at the opening ceremony of the centre yesterday.
Currently Boon, with help from volunteers, has been training some of Masa members in badminton.
He expressed his hope that with support from all parties, the association could produce athletes who could represent this division in any paralympic event.
“I also hope that the government could channel in funds and assistance to help us upgrade the facilities at our centre,” said the wheelchair-dependent Boon.
Earlier Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin, who is Senadin assemblyman, pledged to help register Masa and its centre with Sarawak Welfare Department, which would make them eligible for welfare funding.
“As a caring community, Mirians should always support activities by the OKUs so that they would not feel left out.
“Based on my experience in the setting up of the Sunflower Centre (for children with special needs) about 30 years ago, I know that the OKUs are capable of being independent – they can work just like any other individuals if given the right training and guidance.
“Most importantly, we should give our support to OKU associations like Masa,” said Lee.
Later, the assistant minister presented an allocation of RM5,000 from his minor rural project (MRP) grant to Masa.
Miri Mayor Adam Yii and Miri Hospital director Dr Jack Wong were present at the ceremony.