Raja Muda of Selangor teams up with state, NGOs for long-term aid to Putra Heights blast families
SAY chief executive officer Aiman Nazri said that since Tengku Amir's visit to Ground Zero a day after the blast, aid has been channelled to the affected families, and the prince continues to work closely with Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari to assist them.
"His Highness immediately stepped in to help. Together with Yayasan Islam Darul Ehsan, he instructed the foundation to assist children from affected families with school-related needs and transport," Aiman told the New Straits Times at the Raja Muda Selangor's Hari Raya open house, held on April 21 at the MBSA auditorium banquet hall here.
The event was co-organised by SAY, under the Raja Muda's patronage, along with Yayasan Raja Muda Selangor, the Football Association of Selangor, and Selangor FC.
Nearly 700 guests from various industries attended the open house.
Among them were the Raja Muda's sister, Tengku Zatashah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah; Tengku Datuk Seri Ahmad Shah Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah; Shah Alam Mayor Datuk Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim; Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong; and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
Aiman said nearly 200 students from around 60 to 70 families received assistance in the form of school uniforms, bags and transport to 15 different schools around Putra Heights.
pqc
"These students were staying temporarily at a relief centre, so the Raja Muda's directive was to ensure they could continue their studies without disruption," he said.
In the days following the incident, SAY and other NGOs, in collaboration with the Selangor state government, were given access to the site to carry out post-disaster cleanup operations.
"We mobilised hundreds of volunteers to help clear the area, while the state government and corporate partners provided further assistance, including temporary housing and renovation support," Aiman said.
He added that Tengku Amir, together with Amirudin, is closely monitoring ongoing efforts to ensure long-term support for the families, including counselling and rehabilitation services.
"It's not just about immediate relief. His Highness is committed to seeing that these families recover fully from the trauma," he said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Focus Malaysia
a day ago
- Focus Malaysia
Beyond court orders: Making child support real for Malaysia's children
WHEN Seputeh MP Teresa Kok stood in Parliament to call for a federal Child Support Agency (CSA), I couldn't help thinking: How many more years will mothers have to hold things together on their own before the country finally treats their struggles as urgent? Mothers have already done everything asked of them. They go to court. They file the paperwork. They chase signatures, keep every receipt, and attend every hearing. They wait months, sometimes years for orders that are supposed to make things better. And still, the enforcement is often too slow or too weak to change their day-to-day reality. Just ask Mizah Salleh. In August 2025, her story went viral after she revealed on social media that her ex-husband had failed to pay RM70,750 in child maintenance since November 2020. That figure, RM1,350, a month in arrears doesn't even include the extra costs every parent knows come with school prep, medical needs, or Hari Raya. 'I sacrificed everything,' she wrote, 'but this suffering shouldn't fall on one mother alone.' Thousands of women responded, not with surprise, but with recognition. The numbers show her case is far from unique. According to the 2020 Census, there are 910,091 single mothers in Malaysia, about 8.3% of all households. Only 18% are registered with the Women's Development Department (JPW), leaving most invisible in official systems. Almost 90% of working single mothers are in the B40 income group, and more than half live below the poverty line despite having jobs. This is not just lived experience, it's documented. SIS Forum (Malaysia), through its legal service Telenisa, found in its 2023 Statistics & Findings that 42% of all legal aid consultations were about child maintenance. Nearly half of those cases involved fathers who refused to pay outright; a quarter cited unemployment; some openly defied court orders, knowing enforcement was weak. In its Hak Kewangan study, SIS documented maintenance orders as low as RM150 for two school-going children, sums far below actual costs. And this isn't a new fight. SIS has been calling for a federal Child Support Agency since 2005, urging a system that could assess realistic payment amounts, trace absent parents, deduct from wages, seize assets, and suspend passports or licences for persistent defaulters. This can work but it needs political will. In Australia, compliance rose from 25% under court orders to over 70% under a CSA, with 90% of arrears collected. In the UK, DWP/IFF research found most separated families established new arrangements within months of their old cases closing, and those backed by strong enforcement lasted longer. The difference wasn't that mothers tried harder, they already were, but that the system finally did its part. A Malaysian CSA could be tailored to our reality: One national standard so Syariah and civil orders are enforced equally across states; Automatic deductions from salaries or bank accounts, without waiting for non-payment first; Realistic assessments based on current cost-of-living data; and A humane approach for genuine hardship, ensuring children are supported even when payers are struggling. None of this is abstract. It's the difference between a child eating lunch in the canteen every day and one who quietly skips meals. It's about replacing the anxiety of chasing payments with the certainty of knowing they will arrive. It's about ending the years of uncertainty, repeated court visits, and the weary knowledge that, in the end, too many mothers are left to shoulder the cost of raising children alone. So what more must mothers do before this becomes a national priority? Must we speak publicly about the private pain of juggling bills and court dates? Must we wait until another generation of children grow up without the care they deserve? Or is it enough that for decades, women and groups like SIS, have been documenting, advocating, and proposing solutions, only to see the burden remain largely on the mothers' shoulders? Kok's proposal felt like someone in power had finally heard what mothers, advocates, and researchers have been saying for years: that child maintenance should be a guaranteed right, not a gamble. It's time for Malaysia to stop waiting for mothers to prove, yet again, that the need is real. ‒ Aug 19, 2025 Ameena Siddiqi is the Communications Manager at SIS Forum (Malaysia). The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Freepik
The Star
25-07-2025
- The Star
Former Malaysian Convent students have kept their friendship for over 60 years
Their laughter filled the living room just like it did more than six decades ago in the classrooms of Convent Peel Road, Kuala this day, a group of septuagenarians still call each other close friends. The bond they formed in secondary school has lasted well into retirement. Recently, pensioner Roseline Kuthariam, 71, hosted a potluck at her home in Templer's Park, Rawang, Selangor to welcome her former classmate, retiree Lorna Allen, 71, who was back in KL for a short holiday from the United States. Over a lunch spread of Malaysian delights like fried noodles, prawn sambal, chicken kurma and mutton peretal, seven former schoolmates from the school – now known as SMK Convent Jalan Peel – were happily reminiscing about their school days. From left: Kuthariam, Allen, and Rafidah - friends who have shared countless memories since primary school. Photo: The Star/Azlina Abdullah "Sometimes we'd get scolded for impersonating our teachers or chatting too much during lessons. We were naughty, but not in a bad way," says Roseline. "We were just mischievous Convent girls," shares training consultant Rafidah Abdul Jalil, 72, with a chuckle. "Chit-chatting in class and sneaking a book under the desk during lessons – those were some of our fondest school memories." The grandmother of one had driven from Kota Damansara in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, to catch up with her former classmates. The members of the '7 Sept Attendees' WhatsApp group have shared decades of friendship. Photo: The Star/Azlina Abdullah International Friendship Day, celebrated on July 30, honours the value and importance of friendship. It encourages individuals to appreciate their friends, strengthen bonds and promote peace, understanding, and unity across cultures and communities. A 2020 research titled "Friendships in Old Age: Daily Encounters and Emotional Well-Being" suggests that friends play a unique role in older adults' emotional well-being, and they do so by increasing levels of positive experiences encountered in daily life. The study found that older adults reported greater pleasantness during their encounters with friends, which may in turn, represent a positive change in daily activities. Allen (second from left) and her friends during a trip to China. Food for the soul While enjoying the sumptious spread, the women agreed that food had always been a common thread that brought them together since their school days. Roseline grew up in Jalan Cochrane, KL, which is a stone's throw away from her school. She recalled how she'd buy nasi lemak from the Pudu Market – also walking distance from her home – to share with her friends during recess. "Every Hari Raya, we'd go to Rafidah's house. For Christmas, it was my house or Lorna's. Back then, it was common to see children of all races visiting each other during festive seasons. We'd often share meals at friends' homes. Our parents knew the families in the neighbourhood well and trusted us to be in good hands," shares Roseline, a retired statistical officer who worked with the Department of Statistics Malaysia. Lorna, who has five grandkids, recalls: "We'd celebrate all festivities together. Most importantly, we respected each other and shared everything - from food to toys and books." Rafidah chips in: "I can't eat certain foods because of my faith, but everyone understood. It wasn't a big deal for us. We were raised to respect one another's boundaries." Convent Peel Road Class of 1971 gathered for a group photo at their reunion in a hotel in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. IFD is often marked by acts of kindness, gatherings and sharing joyful moments with friends. The recent get-together at Roseline's home certainly ticked all those boxes. These women have a WhatsApp group where they all have been keeping in touch in the last 11 group was renamed "The 7 Sept Attendees" after their 70th birthday gathering on Sept 7 last year. There are about 46 of them in that group now. Sisters at heart Most of the members began their journey together at Convent Peel Road primary school. In Year Two, some students were transferred to Kampung Pandan Girls School. International Friendship Day honours the value and importance of friendship. Photo: The Star/Azlina Abdullah Many reconnected in Form One at Convent Peel Road secondary school. Some friendships lasted through the years after secondary school, while others drifted apart due to family commitments and studies. But thanks to social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, they eventually found their way back to one another. "Some of our members live in Britain, Australia and New Zealand," says Roseline. "We try to meet up about four to six times a year. These get-togethers are important because it's a chance to catch up and be there for each other in good times and bad." Besides gathering during festive seasons, they have also travelled together to China, Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand. They recently organised a pyjama sleepover at a hotel in the city too. Talk about girls having fun! "Not everyone can join each time, but those who can, will. Usually, there are about 10 of us who are regulars," says Rafidah. Lorna, a mother of two, has lived in the US for over 36 years. She returns to Malaysia at least once a year and always makes time to catch up with her friends. And whenever they're together, reminiscing about their youth is almost inevitable. "Our group consists of schoolmates we've known since kindergarten until now, even though some of us were transferred to different schools during our learning and developmental years. Whenever we meet up, it's like we've never left school. We were innocent kids growing up, showing up on a whim at anyone's home and dragging each other out to play and eat at our favorite hangouts. "Despite living in different countries now, we keep in touch, thanks to WhatsApp so we don't miss out on news in each other's lives and happenings in Malaysia." Lorna, who lived in Jalan Peel, remembers walking along the railway tracks near Jalan Pudu, plucking fresh tamarind fruits and moringa drumsticks and handing them over to her Indian neighbours. Roseline (second from left) and her ex-classmates went on a trip to Lake Toba in Medan, Indonesia after their 70th birthday celebration last year. "We were so close. We even exchanged comic books like (American magazine) MAD and (British comics) Beano .They agree that today's children are growing up in a very different world. "These days, it's all about devices. Parents are more protective. But back then, we had to be creative. Our parents were busy too, but we found ways to entertain ourselves; with simple things and with each other," says Roseline. Rafidah shares: "We played hopscotch, five stones, baling selipar (slippers throw), paper dolls – you name it. We even walked from Jalan Peel to Stadium Merdeka (which wqs more that 3km away). Back then, there was less traffic and we felt safer." The women believe in the values of patience, tolerance and humility. "When you come to your friend's house, leave your title at the door," says Rafidah. "We don't care who's a boss or what you've achieved in life. You're our friend, and that's all that matters." Wong Foong Lin (left) and Mally Antonia Arokiasamy are among the alumni members of Convert Peel Road. Photo: The Star/Azlina Abdullah Asked about their secret to a long-lasting friendship, Roseline says: "Patience and understanding are key in any friendship. You must care for each other too." Lorna adds: "Take Roseline, for example. She's known as a person with a generous heart – always remembering birthdays and making it a point to send wishes in our WhatsApp group. For any friendship to work, be open. Our friendship is solid because we are a family of sorts, we know where we came from and we never forget our friends."
Borneo Post
24-07-2025
- Borneo Post
Sandakan Islamic Centre 66% completed, targets December opening
Walter and architect Dr Meor Zawari Hassan (left) presenting the design and finishes for the Sandakan Islamic Centre's main prayer hall.-Information Department photo KOTA KINABALU (July 24): The Sandakan Islamic Centre project, now 66% complete, is expected to be fully finished by the end of December this year. Sandakan Municipal Council president Walter Kenson stated that the council is committed to completing this modern complex — inspired by Sabah Governor Tun Musa Aman — by year-end, making it ready for use during next year's Hari Raya prayers. 'We are scheduling completion by the end of this year, ideally before year-end, so it can be fully operational for next year's Hari Raya. Our primary target is for the Sandakan Islamic Centre to be inaugurated and fully functional by Hari Raya 2026,' he explained. Walter added that the centre will feature designs, motifs and finishes from Uzbekistan, adapted to incorporate Sabah's local motifs. 'Progress has been very positive thus far, which is why we sought approval from His Excellency Tun Musa Aman for specific motifs, designs and finishes. Tun requested the incorporation of certain elements in key sections of the centre — particularly the prayer area, main hall and VIP waiting area — blending Uzbek designs with local Sabah motifs and styles,' he told the media after paying a courtesy visit to Tun Musa at Istana Seri Kinabalu today. Meanwhile, Tun Musa expressed profound satisfaction in a statement on Thursday over the encouraging progress of the Sandakan Islamic Centre, which will become a significant landmark for Islamic development in Sabah's east coast. He noted that the project will not only serve as a centre for worship and education but also foster unity among Sabah's multiethnic and multireligious communities through inclusive and harmonious outreach. 'I extend my appreciation to all involved, especially the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAINS) and the state government, for their commitment to community development and societal well-being. May the Sandakan Islamic Centre become a symbol of spiritual progress and unity in Sabah,' the statement read. Construction of the RM60 million Sandakan Islamic Centre began in 2017 on a 5.2-hectare site at Jalan Sungai Kayu, Sandakan, but faced delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and political instability in Sabah. Upon completion, the facility will include a kindergarten, tahfiz centre, administrative offices for JHEAINS, MUIS (Sabah Islamic Religious Council), and Baitulmal (Islamic Treasury), a multipurpose hall, and a prayer hall accommodating over 1,000 worshippers.
