11-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sultan of Kedah launches trust fund for the poor
ALOR STAR: Sultan of Kedah Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah has consented to the establishment of the Tabung Amanah Sultan Kedah (TASK) trust fund to ease the burden of the poor and underserved in the state.
State Secretary Datuk Seri Norizan Khazali said the initiative reflected His Majesty's deep concern for the wellbeing of the people and commitment to fostering a more equitable distribution of economic resources.
"His Majesty's compassion has been translated into action through TASK, which provides a platform for all quarters to come together and serve those in need," he said during his opening speech at the Majlis Menjunjung Duli ke Bawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku Sultan Kedah ceremony today.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Sultan Sallehuddin and members of the royal household, including Sultanah of Kedah Sultanah Maliha Almarhum Tengku Ariff, Raja Muda of Kedah Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah, Raja Puan Muda Che Puan Muda Zaheeda Mohamad Ariff, Tunku Mahkota Tunku Shazuddin Ariff and Tunku Puan Mahkota Che Puan Nur Julie Ariff.
Present were Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and members of the state executive council.
The fund, Norizan added, was a testament to His Majesty's noble vision, anchored on six key pillars including, education, health and wellbeing, social welfare, sports, environmental conservation and animal protection.
Norizan said His Majesty consistently demonstrated a people-first approach by personally visiting the ground to observe conditions and listen to the concerns of the people.
"His Majesty has visited fishing communities in Kuala Kedah grappling with water supply issues, and flood evacuees at temporary relief centres, offering personal contributions as a gesture of solidarity," he said.
He added that the sultan had also shown concern for small businesses by visiting trading areas in Tanjung Dawai, Kuala Nerang, Jerlun and Pokok Sena to gain direct insight into current market conditions and the challenges faced by local traders.
Apart from social welfare, the sultan was also committed to environmental protection, particularly in addressing coastal erosion and the preservation of mangrove ecosystems in Langkawi, Merbok and Kuala Kedah.
Describing Sultan Sallehuddin as a figure of discipline and exemplary leadership, Norizan said His Majesty's background in the military had instilled values of punctuality, neat appearance, firmness and principled conduct, qualities that serve as a model for all civil servants.
"These traits have inspired the state administration to adopt the acronym K.E.D.A.H., which stands for Kekuatan (Strength), Empathy, Discipline, Amanah (Trustworthiness), and Hargai (Appreciation).
"This philosophy underpins our efforts to build an efficient and people-centred government under the leadership of His Majesty," he added.
