MUAR: About 500 Muar and Batu Pahat fishermen are investing substantially in a mini scholarship fund to give their children a better education.
They are donating a portion of their income from their catch to the fund which was set up about 40 years ago. It has benefited more than 1,200 children. To date, it has spent about RM100,000 on scholarship awards.
In a ceremony at a Parit Jawa fishing village here on Sunday, fund chairman Tan Yong Hwee distributed RM3,600 to 40 students.
He said the sum of between RM60 and RM80 each were for those who achieved excellent results in their examinations in primary and secondary schools.
Tan said those who gained admission to colleges and universities were given RM500 each.
He called on more fishermen to join the scheme and prepare their children to face future challenges with the best education possible.
“Although the catch at sea has dwindled in recent years, the fishermen are tightening their belts for the sake of their children’s education.”
Tan said good education was an asset which guaranteed employment and social economic standing for their children. By Chong Chee Seong