KUCHING: National oil company Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) today contributed RM2 million to various Sarawak-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to carry out welfare activities in the state.
The contribution was handed over to the state government, which will distribute the allocation to NGOs to carry out voluntary work in Sarawak.
A mock cheque of the contribution was handed over by Petronas Sarawak regional office head Shamsur Taha to the the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg during the state Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Ministry’s “open day” programme here today.
State Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the contribution made by Petronas will help the NGOs to organise awareness campaigns and advocation programmes for the wellbeing of the community.
“We laud the participation and services provided by NGOs in conducting welfare programmes and providing their voluntary services to the community.
“The programmes implemented by my ministry together with our strategic partner are investments of sorts to ensure community wellbeing in the state.
“We want to ensure that no segment of the community is left behind and everyone benefits from all transformation programmes as Sarawak moves forward to achieve its developed status by the year 2030,” she said.
Petronas, in a statement, said the company had committed RM10 million to assist Sarawak Government to fund the NGOs in the State over a period of five years from 2015 to next year.
“To date, a total of RM5.98 million of that fund has been disbursed and the balance will be disbursed later this year and next year,” the statement said.
Since 2015, Petronas had pledged to invest RM50 million for a period of five years to implement several programmes in the state that focus on enhancing community development and well-being as well as environmental conservation in the state.
“Aside from assisting local NGOs, Petronas has committed RM40 million to implement other Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects related to community wellbeing and environmental conservation, in collaboration with relevant State agencies.
“These projects include the conservation of coral reefs at the Sibuti Reef Complex, Miri; building of community centres around the state; construction of Penan pre-school; setting up of a PETROSAINS Playsmart Centre; sponsorship of the Sarawak Regatta; and the implementation of disaster relief support and Mobile CSR programmes,” said the statement.
Petronas is also investing another RM420 million for the development of education and technical skills programmes and facilities in Sarawak.