KUCHING: Yayasan Kebajikan Atlet Kebangsaan (Yakeb), Naim Holdings Bhd and Bank Rakyat yesterday joined forces to contribute a total sum of RM21,000 to former Mr Asia Bujang Taha.
GIVING HELPING HAND: Taha (second right) together with guests in a group photo after the end of the handing over ceremony at Taha’s residential area, in Kampung Tanjong, Petra Jaya.
Yakeb, lead by former national number one sprinter Datuk Paduka Muntaz Jaafar, contributed RM1,000 to Taha, Naim Holdings Bhd with RM10,000 while another RM10,000 from Bank Rakyat.
The contributions were mainly to lighten Taha and his family’s burden after suffering a great lost of their three decade-old home that was burnt down last Tuesday, suspected due to short circuit.
Nevertheless, the contributions which were made to Taha were also one of the ways to treasure, recognise and appreciate his past achievements and contributions to the country.
Muntaz, who is also the chairperson of Yakeb, said that she was very happy that they were able to be part of the aid in helping Taha and his family in regaining back their lives.
“We definitely remember Taha during his peak time when he was still the national star in the bodybuilding arena.
“His contributions towards the country will be a great encouragement to the younger generations. Taha will always have our support.
“Besides that, we also want to let the people know that Yakeb will always be there for all the registered former national athletes throughout Malaysia in times of needs,” she said during the contribution handing over ceremony, held at Taha’s residential area, in Kampung Tanjong, Petra Jaya, yesterday.
Former national athletes who wish to register with Yakeb, forms can be obtained at the Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS), at Kuching Civic Centre. Registration is free.
Meanwhile, Yakeb assistant chairman Datuk Malek Noor, who is also a former national bodybuilding champion himself said that former or ex-national athletes will be well taken care of, especially in times of difficulties.
“Yakeb is a non-profitable organisation which is co-founded by Muntaz. The main objective of having Yakeb is to take care of the welfare of registered former national athletes when they are in need.
“There are many former national athletes in Peninsular who have registered with us. So, I encourage all former national athletes here in Sarawak to register themselves with Yakeb. The reason why we are doing this is to show our appreciation to former national athletes who had given much sacrifices to the country,” he said.
Among those present, showing strong support to Taha during the ceremony was former national badminton player Rashid Sidek, former national football players Abdul Khalid Ali and Kamarulzaman Yusuf, former national volleyball player Ammar Abdullah and former national silat champion Ramliee Ahmad.
Taha won Mr Asia titles in 1980, 1982, 1983 and 1986. He also won two SEA Games gold medals in Kuala Lumpur in 1977 and Jakarta in 1979. He was also one of the qualifiers in the 1982 Mr Universe, in Belgium.