KUALA LUMPUR: The services and sacrifices of frontline Territorial Army personnel were recognised by a local daily and two banks.
A total 742 sustenance boxes containing daily necessities, were presented to 371 Territorial Army volunteers nationwide as part of the 'Titipan Kasih Harian Metro' (TKHM) programme with Affin Bank Berhad (Affin Bank) and Affin Islamic Bank Berhad (Affin Islamic).
Each of them received two sustenance boxes worth RM100 each, as well as RM300 cash at a simple ceremony at the Sungai Besi camp.
The event was officiated by Army chief general Tan Sri Zamrose Mohd Zain in conjunction with the presentation of promotional ranks to the volunteers.
Present were Zamrose's deputy Lieutenant General Datuk Seri Mohammad Abdul Rahman, Harian Metro group editor and TKHM project chairman Husain Jahit, Harian Metro news editor and TKHM project director Noor Azam Abd Aziz and Affin Islamic Bank Berhad chief executive officer Nazlee Khalifah.
It was the first time such a contribution was extended to volunteers who were part of front line personnel involved in monitoring the Covid-19 pandemic since 2020.
Husain said that the 'Kotak Rezeki Harian Metro' was a sign of appreciation for the services and devotion of the volunteers.
Organised jointly by Harian Metro and Affin Bank/Affin Islamic, the TKHM programme was supported by the Army.
"The TKHM programme is a corporate social responsibility and a testament to Harian Metro's appreciation for the services and sacrifices of frontline personnel among the military.
"I hope a programme like this can ease the burdens of the Territorial Army family members in the face of the current uncertain economic situation.
"At the same time, we can strengthen the relationship between Harian Metro, Affin Bank Berhad and Affin Islamic Bank Berhad with members of the Territorial Army," Husain said.
He added the programme was also part of efforts to strengthen the relationship between Harian Metro employees and the local community, especially their 2.8 million loyal readers.
Meanwhile, Nazlee congratulated front line military personnel for their efforts and high commitment in combating the Covid-19 epidemic.
"Affin's collaboration with Harian Metro is one of the bank's social responsibilities in meeting the needs of the local community and the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) aims, to ensure community survival and environmental sustainability in the long run," he said.
The TKHM programme with Affin Islamic is the second organised this year.
The first programme was held on March 4 and 31 in Melaka and Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan, which saw the collaboration of Harian Metro and Affin Islamic handing out free laptops to upper secondary students from the B40 group.
The 'Titian Kasih Harian Metro 2022' programme, which has entered its 16th year, has received sponsorship from Affin Bank Berhad and Affin Islamic Bank Berhad since 2016.