Edisi English - NST

NOBLE AIM: The ‘Rumah Murni’ charity programme assists the government to reduce poverty among the hardcore poor

 

 KANGAR: NINETEEN poor families in Perlis will enjoy a more comfortable life through the "Rumah Murni" programme.

The programme in collaboration with the Perlis State Islamic Religious Affairs and Malay Customs Council (MAIPs) saw them receiving aid to build their new homes from Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF).

Since its launch in 2008, the programme, which aims to assist the government reduce poverty, has seen 70 homes being built and refurbished. Thirty of the houses were handed over to the families in Perlis in 2010.

MIDF group managing director Datuk Mohd Najib Abdullah said the programme was in line with its corporate social responsibility.

"We are happy to see these 19 families in Perlis receiving their new homes," he said at the "Rumah Murni" ceremony held at Kampung Telaga Idi, Titi Tok Bandar, here recently.

Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail graced the occasion. Syed Faizuddin, who is also MAIPs president later received RM300,000 tithe from MIDF for building a multipurpose hall for the Perlis House Hostel in Cairo, Egypt.

Mohd Najib said MIDF was honoured to participate in the noble work and hoped the hall built in Cairo would be used for prayers by Malaysian students, for lectures and as a meeting place during major festivals like Hari Raya and Merdeka.

He added, besides that MIDF had also introduced Murni Educational Programme where assistance is given to schools and students.

"Last year, together with MAIPs, MIDF constructed three new Islamic kindergartens in Behor Mali and Bintong.

"It had also built a multi-purpose hall which is now used as a dining hall at the Sekolah Agama Al-Islahiyah Behor Mali and hoped the noble efforts would carry on as long as needed.

A recipient of the new home Zakaria Abd Rahim, 43, said it was impossible for him to own such a comfortable home as he only earned RM500 a month as a gardener. Zakaria lives with his wife Hamidah Shidan, 38, and their five children.

"We used to stay in a wooden home which roof leaked whenever it rained. Studying for my children was almost impossible then. Now with the new home, they have a better place to live and study. We are grateful to MAIPs and MIDF for their assistance.

Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail and officials with recipients of the new homes.

Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail signing the plaque to mark the handover of the new homes to the families in Kampung Telaga Idi. With him is Datuk Mohd Najib Abdullah (right). Pix by Eizairi Shamsudin