Latest news with #SantuniMadani


New Straits Times
20-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Nearly 900 schools join govt's Sekolah Angkat Madani programme to bridge education gap
KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly 900 schools nationwide have joined the government's Sekolah Angkat Madani initiative, also known as Samadani, aimed at narrowing the education gap and supporting underserved communities. The programme, introduced under the Madani Economy framework, is on track to meet its target of 1,000 participating schools by the year-end. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said the initiative reflects the government's determination to ensure that no child is left behind, particularly in rural and under-resourced areas. "This initiative builds on the success of Kampung Angkat Madani and Santuni Madani, which demonstrated that direct, collaborative efforts are effective in helping those most in need. "With Samadani, the effort is being taken a step further by involving schools in need as part of the broader Madani agenda", he said after the launch today, adding that they hoped to meet the 1,000 schools target by October. He said nearly 300 of the participating schools are in Sarawak, Sabah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis — states identified as requiring additional support. The programme focuses on five core areas: upgrading school infrastructure, strengthening academic and student support, enhancing teacher development, providing financial aid and scholarships, and fostering student character and soft skills. Shamsul said the programme's success was made possible through the support of more than 80 participating organisations, including: - 29 government ministries (including the Prime Minister's Department) - 29 government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs) - 27 Minister of Finance Incorporated (MoF Inc.) companies — such as Amanah Raya, Bank Rakyat and BSN, and; - 32 private sector partners, including 99 Speed Mart, Maxis and Dialog. "This is not a one-off contribution but a strategic partnership designed to bring lasting impact to schools and communities," he said. Shamsul also highlighted existing corporate initiatives that complement the programme including Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) Foundation's tuition programme, which recorded 95 per cent student attendance and 92 per cent academic improvement; and the Petronas Foundation's Duta Guru programme, which aims to train over 4,500 Stem teachers, with more than 1,300 already involved. The other corporate initiatives also include Yayasan Sime Darby's support for SK Abaka in Tawau, Sabah, following a fire; and TM Foundation's Future Skills programme, which has certified more than 10,000 students and 1,000 teachers in fields such as robotics and data analytics. He said these corporations are not just involved in repairing infrastructure but also in talent building, such as by introducing subjects such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation. The first phase of Samadani runs until Dec 31. Shamsul said the response so far has been very encouraging, and the government hopes to see more companies come forward to support the national movement. "This is not just an investment in education — it is an investment in Malaysia's future leaders and innovators."

The Star
17-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
RM13.3bil in unclaimed monies recorded as at April 2025
BATU PAHAT: A total of RM13.3bill in unclaimed monies has been recorded by the Accountant-General's Department until April 2025. Accountant General Nor Yati Ahmad revealed that since the establishment of the unclaimed money system in 1977, only about RM4bil has been successfully claimed by rightful owners or their heirs. She said this was likely because many individuals or their heirs are either unaware that they have unclaimed money or had never checked with the Accountant-General's Department of Malaysia. "They can actually check or submit a claim application via the official portal or eGumis application and go to branches in each state. "We will also continue to intensify promotions and field activities to publicise the existence of unclaimed money because it can only be claimed by the owner or heir," she told reporters after opening the Kampung Angkat Madani and Santuni Madani programme at SK Minyak Beku here on Saturday (May 17). Meanwhile, she said under the programme, various activities were organised to support the local community and implement development projects, particularly those involving infrastructure improvements. "Among the physical development projects were upgrading water supply pipelines, repairing Islamic halls, constructing cemetery fences, enhancing funeral management facilities and handing over a funeral van," she said. She said the programme aims to bridge the development gap between rural and urban areas by improving essential infrastructure, community facilities and ensuring Internet access is not overlooked. She noted that the implementation of the programme in Johor marks the second such initiative after its successful rollout in Kampung Lubuk Antu, Sarawak, in 2024. – Bernama


New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Pulau Tuba community receives over RM130,000 in aid under Madani programme
LANGKAWI: Various agencies under the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) have contributed assistance, amounting to RM138,350 for the Santuni Komuniti Madani programme on Pulau Tuba here today. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, said the contributions were used to support the management and implementation of various activities benefiting the local community. "The aid includes food baskets, the provision of life jackets, rewards for outstanding students, upgrades to mosques and suraus, as well as support for residents of tahfiz centres in need of assistance. "The contributing agencies include the Tabung Musa'adah of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), the Malaysian Waqf Foundation, and the Islamic Economic Development Foundation of Malaysia," he told reporters after attending the programme today. Present were Jakim's Dakwah Division senior director, Dr Muhammad Yamin Ismail, and Kedah Islamic Affairs Department director, Datuk Abd Ghani Zainudin. Na'im expressed hope that the aid would help ease the financial burden of low-income families and individuals on the island. "The Santuni Madani programme is also aimed at enhancing the potential of villages and empowering local communities through direct engagement between leaders and the public. "The community has the opportunity to raise various concerns for discussion at the state, federal, and community levels, including with the Federal Village Development and Security Committees," he said.


The Star
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Banking group adopts Segamat village
(From left) Bardin, Noor Hisham, Mohd Rashid and Mohd Effendi at the Santuni Madani ceremony at Masjid Kampung Gudang Garam, Segamat. Kampung Gudang Garam's adoption under the Federal Government's Satu Pemimpin, Satu Kampung (Santuni Madani) programme by RHB Banking Group is good news for residents of the village in Johor's Segamat district. Village chief Noor Hisham Mohd Noor said it has a population of nearly 400. 'The majority of villagers are retired farmers who once worked in oil palm, rubber and durian plantations. 'We are located on the outskirts of town and there are only a few streetlights here, making it difficult for us to travel at night. 'With RHB's help, our daily commute, especially to the mosque, has become easier now that we have solar-powered lights,' he said after the Santuni Madani ceremony at Masjid Kampung Gudang Garam. He added that the initiative should be expanded so that more rural villages could benefit from the programme. Masjid Kampung Gudang Garam committee chairman Bardin Uteh also expressed gratitude for the group's support in improving the mosque and making it more comfortable. 'We hope that with this upgrade, our 40-year-old mosque can organise more activities for the community,' he said. RHB Banking Group managing director and group chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Rashid Mohamad said it had pledged nearly RM1mil over the next three years to support the Santuni Madani programme, aimed at uplifting underserved communities and bridging socio-economic gaps. 'Our involvement begins with the adoption of Kampung Gudang Garam. 'This is a reflection of our long-term pledge to walk alongside the communities we serve. 'We are focusing on two key areas: improving basic infrastructure and alleviating poverty through sustainable programmes,' he said. Among the infrastructure upgrades were repainting and renovating the mosque, installing solar-powered lights along paths leading to the mosque and cemetery as well as the provision of a new water tank. 'In the long term, we aim to make the mosque energy-efficient through a solar power system,' said Mohd Rashid. To alleviate poverty, RHB is delivering financial literacy workshops and social protection awareness programmes in partnership with agencies such as Employees Provident Fund, Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) and Amanah Saham Bumiputera. He said the group had also extended support to the nearby SMK Gemereh by conducting financial literacy programmes, offering support to 40 students from B40 families who are preparing for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and providing back-to-school kits to orphans. 'We have also donated equipment needed by the school to improve digital learning capabilities and support the integration of technology into education.' 'With SMK Gemereh included, RHB has now adopted 10 schools nationwide through its social impact initiatives. 'Our long-running corporate social responsibility programme, RHB Touch Hearts, will also be mobilised this year, with more than 13,000 employees participating in activities to deliver financial literacy and upskilling programmes for students, improving school infrastructure and supporting local communities across Malaysia and selected Asean countries,' he said. These efforts, Mohd Rashid added, aligned with the group's broader sustainability aspiration under its Progress27 three-year corporate strategy, which aims to empower 2.5 million individuals and businesses across Asean by 2027. 'Through our Santuni Madani commitment, we're not just investing in infrastructure – we're investing in people, their education and their future,' he said. Also present was RHB Banking Group southern regional director Mohd Effendi Abdul Razak.


Borneo Post
06-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Utilise social media to expand products' reach, KRTs encouraged
Che Roslan tries his hands at beadwork embroidery, guided by one of the women artisans. KAPIT (May 6): Members of the Neighbourhood Committee (KRT) are encouraged to use social media market their products and services, especially handicrafts and agro-based products. In giving this advice, Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN) director-general Datuk Che Roslan Che Daud calls upon them to make full use of platforms such as Facebook and TikTok to expand their market reach. 'Instead of the conventional way of displaying products at the stall or a shop, use social media to reach out to potential customers from near and far. 'Social media can help communities to market their products more widely, without requiring high extra costs,' he said in his speech for the 'Santuni Madani' and 'Progressive RT' programme at KRT Sungai Banyau in Baleh last weekend. Earlier, Che Roslan said KRT Sungai Banyau received a grant of RM123,000 last year, and had since been actively carrying out various projects meant to benefit the community. 'Among the ongoing projects are the handicraft 'manik' (beads) works by the KRT womenfolk, and also the setting-up of a 'pondok' (patrol booth) for the Voluntary Patrol Scheme (SRS), made as the centre of operations, where the volunteers gather before conducting patrol around their neighbourhood at night. 'Any KRT interested in applying for a grant under the Progressive RT initiative, can contact the JPNIN Kapit Office on 084-798 522, or go to Che Roslan also said apart from physical assistance, JPNIN would also encourage residents to make full use of the nearby National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi) to undergo training on digital marketing and also on social media technology. On a relevant matter, he also called upon all KRTs in the country to join in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of KRT by conducting various community programmes that could strengthen the spirit of unity and togetherness amongst the local community. Meanwhile, those interested in ordering the beadwork handicrafts can contact KRT KRT Sungai Banyau secretary Patricia Rendah on 011-2920 5436. Also present at the weekend event were JPNIN Sarawak director Dirwana Azool, JPNIN Kapit officer Lau Siew Yen, Sungai Banyau longhouse chieftain Jampong Meng, and KRT Sungai Banyau chairman Jawi Medan. Agro-based industry Che Roslan Che Daud Handicrafts KRT