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Daily Express
01-08-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Helping stateless kids fit into society via education
Published on: Friday, August 01, 2025 Published on: Fri, Aug 01, 2025 By: Christy Chok Text Size: Esther (left) and Grace Alternative Guidance Centre (right) in Tawau. TAWAU: The Calvary City Church here decided not to turn a blind eye but make a difference to as many undocumented migrants as possible through the setting up Grace Alternative Guidance Centre (Pusat Bimbingan Alternatif Grace). The vision to start a school to 'Give Every Child A Chance to Life' materialised in 2010. Calvary Love Foundation was set up to finance the project. Grace Training Centre was started with a group of 34 children in a rented single shop lot at Mile 5, Jalan Apas qhixh provided those aged 5 to 16 with basic education to equip them for a better future. The curriculum included reading, writing and speaking in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin as well as Mathematics, Science, Art, Music, Sports and Character Building. Over the years, the basic curriculum has been expanded. The older children are now taught living skills in culinary and food hygiene, electrical works, hairdressing and sewing. Computer lessons were started but lack of computers hampered this effort. It hopes to be able to get financial help to set up a computer facility so that the students can acquire computing skills. Principal Madam Esther Thu said each child has the right to seek education and the opportunity for gaining knowledge. Yet, undocumented children face barriers to accessing basic rights, including education. Without proper identification or legal status, they may be denied admission to schools or excluded from public services. She said it is essential that governments, communities and international organisations ensure that every child, regardless of legal status, has access to quality education. 'In Sabah there are many stateless children. Without a positive approach to help them, this issue will only worsen. One of the most effective ways to support these children is through education. 'With access to knowledge, they can continue to grow, build self-confidence, and be better prepared to face life's challenges,' she said. Driven by compassion, the church decided to take the initiative and chose to ac. As to why the church's efforts are focused on stateless children, instead of local citizens, she said: 'Every child deserves a chance and someone has to take the first step.' According to her, in the heart of Sabah, a quiet crisis continues to unfold—one that affects thousands of children born without legal identity. Stateless and invisible in the eyes of the law, these children are often denied access to basic services, especially education. Stateless children in Sabah are typically the offspring of undocumented migrants, many of whom have lived in the region for decades. Lacking birth certificates or identification documents, these children are barred from enrolling in public schools. As a result, many fall into cycles of poverty, child labour, or exploitation, simply because they were never given a chance. 'It's not easy,' she admits. 'It takes time, dedication, and a lot of financial resources. But we love these children and they deserve a future.' She believed to ignore them, would lead to a greater social problem. She believes the solution begins with education. 'Knowledge is the foundation. 'When these children are educated, they not only gain the skills to survive, but also develop the self-confidence to shape their own future. Education gives them direction.' She hopes others would join in the effort. 'We don't want to be the only ones doing this. We want to be the spark that inspires others do the same.' 'It's about dignity, identity, and the hope of a better tomorrow.' Esther noted that a meaningful program focusing on child labour was held recently at Grace Alternative Guidance Centre, bringing greater awareness and understanding to a topic that continues to affect many vulnerable children in the region. 'Some children are forced to work part-time while continuing their studies due to the environmental or family circumstance, it is an eye-opener for many of us.' Grace Alternative Guidance Centre received approval from the Education as the first and to date only such educational facility endorsed by the government for stateless children in 2015. In the past 15 years it had registered 874 students aged five to 16 year-old and 20 teachers. Some volunteers support in teaching living skills. More than half the students are sponsored by church members and friends. Besides of academic training, the centre also serves as a health clinic, provides counselling on child abuse and help those in extreme poverty. 'We hope the community, NGOs and others will see the value of what we are doing to help these children. That it will inspire others to join us.' 'We also hope the business community and other organisations will respond with more compassion and generosity on a regular or yearly basis. This will help us to continue with this humanitarian effort,' Esther added. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
05-07-2025
- Daily Express
Dog skinned alive: Tawau SPCA ups reward to find culprit
Published on: Saturday, July 05, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 05, 2025 By: Christy Chok Text Size: The reward has been increased to RM12,800, thanks to overwhelming public donation and support. TAWAU: The Tawau Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is offering RM12,800 reward for any information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the individual responsible for skinning a dog alive at Taman Da Hua 3, recently. The dog, beloved by the local community, was discovered severely injured, having been brutally skinned. Advertisement Despite being rushed to Klinik Noki for emergency treatment, the animal tragically succumbed to its injuries. The incident shocked both animal lovers and residents, with SPCA warning that such cruelty toward animals poses a broader threat to community safety. The SPCA urges anyone with information to contact their volunteers via the phone numbers provided: 012-801 2103 / 016-830 6742 / 016-826 6465 / 011-1543 2993. This heartbreaking case highlights the urgent need for stronger animal protection laws and greater awareness of animal welfare in the region. SPCA Tawau is calling on the public to remain vigilant and speak out against cruelty. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
03-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
GRS honours Merotai land pledge
Published on: Thursday, July 03, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 03, 2025 By: Christy Chok Text Size: Liew (left) presenting the gazetting letter for Kg Iban Merotai residents. TAWAU: Local authorities have identified a suitable site for the construction of a new Multipurpose Hall in the Merotai area here. Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah President Brigadier General (Rtd) Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah said this follows the announcement by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor on Feb 16 regarding the allocation of RM2 million for the new hall. 'Actually, we have identified several suitable locations for the construction, involving three infrastructures, the hall, a vehicle parking area and a field. 'Therefore, the chosen site, located on a field spanning over 1.2 hectares, is deemed highly suitable after considering its elevated position and flood-free status,' he said Monday. At the same time, the selection of the proposed site is also part of the long-term development plan for Pekan Merotai Baharu. Liew said the site is situated within the Pekan Merotai Baharu plan, near Kijang Point. 'The State Government wants this new hall to serve as the heart of community activities in Merotai, covering economics, socialand cultural aspects. 'I believe that if managed well, it can become a central public hub and another economic establishment for the people of Merotai,' he said. In addition to the new hall, Hajiji also announced an allocation of RM1 million for the installation of solar lights from the Jambatan Putih intersection to Kampung Sungai Udin aimed at lighting up the main Merotai – Kalabakan road. Additionally, Kampung Melati Burut and Kampung Iban were officially gazetted as the latest recognised villages in Merotai. Liew said this shows the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah leadership's commitment to ensuring Merotai is not left behind in the Sabah Maju Jaya development wave even though it is located in an opposition-held area. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
24-06-2025
- General
- Daily Express
‘Provide edu to foreign kids in estates' call
Published on: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 24, 2025 By: Christy Chok Text Size: Project Liber8 participants and parents attending a short briefing given by the Global Shepherds volunteer, Jell, at the Community Learning Center at CLC Kuari 3, Gum-Gum, Sandakan recently. TAWAU: Up to 20,000 children are said to be assisting parents in Sabah's oil palm plantations – risking their safety, health, education and development in the process. This estimate is based on the 2018 Employment Survey in Plantations by the Government which stated that 33,600 children aged 5-17 work in the industry, with Sabah accounting for 58.8pc. 'Education is the only way out of this generational trap, especially a cluster-based model where large plantation firms host regional learning centres serving multiple smaller estates. 'These children are invisible in the system and without access to formal education, many end up helping their parents in the fields from as young as seven or eight.,' said William Tan Boon Lian, Deputy-Chairman of Agriculture & Aquaculture Committee of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia cum the Deputy-president of Tawau Chinese Chamber of Commerce (TCCC). Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article. Support Independant Journalism Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News Exclusive News Invites to special events Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards 1-Year Most Popular (Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah part of Federal govt for 28 years: Arthur
Published on: Saturday, May 17, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 17, 2025 By: Christy Chok Text Size: Arthur at the opening ceremony of PBRS Sri Tanjong Constituency Service Centre in Tawau. TAWAU: Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security cum PBRS President, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, said Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) is a local political party that embraces multiracial and multi-religious values. He said PBRS even has the State map in its logo. Although it is a local party, it does not discriminate by race or religion – every Sabahan is eligible to become a member, he said. Advertisement 'Though small, PBRS has held positions in the ruling coalition. The party is 30 years old, and out of those 30 years, it has been part of the government for 28 years – with the only exception being the 22 months after Barisan Nasional's loss of federal power.' 'PBRS has held various important government positions over the years, including deputy ministers, state ministers, federal ministers, and even the position of Speaker. I currently serves as a deputy minister, which I consider a mark of respect for the party,' he said. He said the State has some 16 political parties – the highest in Malaysia. Advertisement While some may see this as a positive sign of democracy, he believes it signifies division. Out of all these parties, only four currently hold positions at the Federal level and PBRS is one of them. Meanwhile, he acknowledged PBRS Vice President cum Sri Tanjong Division Chief, Fung Hon Yi, for his contributions to the community. Arthur believes the Sri Tanjong constituency should have PBRS' presence and also include Chinese representation within the party. He emphasised that the establishment of the division service centre is not a mere symbolic gesture but a true reflection of the party's motto 'People First, Service-Oriented'. The division will now fully engage in community service work. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
