Fatimah (centre) with children who have started saving.
DALAT: SK Kg Klid/Plajau suffered losses exceeding RM500,000 when the school was hit by floods early this month, according to Dalat assemblywoman Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.
“It was the heaviest toll from floods for this school,” she said when officiating at PTPTN Outreach Programme at SMK Oya, Dalat yesterday.
“The school will always be the first to be hit by floods due to its location. This year, it was the first school to be affected and the last one to see the flood go.
“Although the school had been hit by flood many times before, none was as bad as this year’s,” she said, adding that school buildings and equipment were damaged.
She reported this to the Ministry of Education and State Natural Disaster Committee in the hope the school will get the necessary assistance.
She disclosed a plan to relocate the school to higher ground.
“SK Kg Klid/ Plajau has no road access, no electricity supply, no water supply, the school is still harvesting rainwater,” she pointed out.
On the programme, she said parents attending the event were concerned for their children’s education.
“Their commitment to save money is indication that they want their children to have a bright future.
“Your presence here today and your agreement to save money under Skim Simpanan Pendidikan Nasional 1Malaysia (SSPN1M-i) is a sign that you have a dream for your children. You don’t want them to just complete Form 5,” Fatimah said.
She urged the parents to have confidence that their children would excel in their study by giving their support.
He said under the SSPN1M-i, once the parents have saved up to RM500, the government will top up with another RM500, making it RM1,000 saved.
To encourage parents to start saving, Fatimah, who is Welfare, Community Well-Being, Women Family and Childhood Development Minister will give RM40 for the first RM10 they save under the N56 Dalat Education Fund.
“To open an account, all you need is RM10 and Dalat Education Fund will top up with RM40 for you to open your account. Then, you need to make effort to save and once you reach RM500, the government will top up with another RM500,” she explained.
A total of 156 Primary 1 pupils in Dalat have started saving under SSPN1M-i.
Fatimah presents a contribution of RM40 to a pupil to open a SSPN1M-i account.