By Zaki Salleh
Photo by Perak SUK Office
IPOH: A total of RM3.42 million has been donated by five government-linked companies (GLCs) to support the Free Food Assistance Program for Public Examinations 2024 under the Tuisyen Cikgu Saarani program.
This program, which targets students who do not stay in hostels, is in its fourth year since its inception in 2021.
The contributions were received from Perak State Development Corporation (PKNP), Perak Water Board (LAP), Perak State Agricultural Development Corporation (SADC), the Chief Minister’s Incorporated (MBInc), and the Perak State Secretary Corporation (SSI).
Payments will be managed by the State Financial Office to the Perak Foundation and subsequently distributed by district.
The program is coordinated through the Office of the Chairman of the State Education, Higher Education, Youth, and Sports Committee.
The contribution handover ceremony was officiated by the Menteri Besar Perak, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, at the Perak Darul Ridzuan Building.
This year, a total of 27,432 students are eligible for the free food assistance through Tuisyen Cikgu Saarani.
This includes 24,350 SPM candidates, 2,919 STPM semester 3 students, 138 Malaysian Higher Religious Certificate candidates, and 25 SPM candidates from vocational colleges.
Among the program’s impacts is that students attending extra classes are provided lunches worth RM5 each.
The moral and financial support provided to schools and parents helps improve student performance.
