By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, Nov 17: A total of 92 pupils from SK Batu Bungan, Mulu, received school supplies during a ‘Back to School’ programme organised by PETRONAS and Sarawak Energy together with the State education department today.
Speaking during the officiation ceremony at the school, Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala praised the programme as an important initiative to develop human capital and strengthen education, especially in rural schools.
“I believe that this initiative will continue to be an agent of change in the lives of students and the community, especially in Sarawak, because every student supported today represents the State’s future.
“Not all students have the same access to facilities, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes like this help close the gap by providing much-needed support to rural schools,” he said.
Gerawat, who is also the Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring), said that the programme shows how the spirit of togetherness can be translated into meaningful action.
“The assistance not only lightens the burden on families but also reignites the students’ motivation and confidence to begin the new school year with hope and renewed determination,” he said.
Meanwhile, PETRONAS Sarawak general manager, Norazibah Md Rabu, said the programme was not just about handing out aid but also opening doors for rural students.
“The children will receive new school essentials—two sets of uniforms, shoes, socks, a school bag, sports pants, and learning materials. To us, these may be basic items, but to a child, they are a symbol of hope. They are signs that someone believes in them,” she said.
She added that this year, over 1,000 students in Sarawak have benefited from the programme.
“These small efforts create big impacts—efforts that ignite the spirit of learning and ease the burden on families.
“With the spirit of ‘Segulai Sejalai’, we have proven that when the government, corporate bodies, communities, and schools unite, we can change the future of Sarawak’s children,” she said. — DayakDaily
