BINTULU: A growing awareness among the public to help orphans has helped the Bintulu Orphans Welfare Organisation (Peryatim) to continue its tradition of supporting them annually.
This year, a total of 474 orphans from 44 villages, including Sebauh and Tatau, will receive RM100 each, thanks to contributions from various parties, including government agencies and the private sector.
Peryatim Bintulu chairman, Datuk Haidar Khan Asghar Khan, said the growing awareness among the public, especially corporate bodies, has made it easier to raise funds compared to the early days of the organisation.
“We started with only 30 to 40 orphans in town, and each child received just RM50.
“Now, the number of orphans on our list has increased to 474.
“More parties are coming forward to help,” he said.
He made these remarks during the duit Raya money presentation ceremony for orphans at the At-Taqwa Mosque, RPR Sebiew, on Sunday.
A total of 250 out of the 474 orphans from Bintulu, Nyalau, Tatau and Sebauh received their ‘duit raya’, which was presented by Jepak assemblyman Iskandar Turkee, and his wife, Dayang Loha Awang Sahari.
The remaining 224 recipients, comprising orphans from the Jepak area, will receive their contributions at the Darul Makmur Mosque in Kampung Jepak.
According to Haidar, Peryatim Bintulu not only provides ‘duit raya’ but is always ready to assist with the welfare of orphans at any time.
“We operate like a 7-Eleven – always ready to help not only during Hari Raya but throughout the year.
“If there are other needs, parents or guardians can contact us directly,” he said.
He also expressed his gratitude to organisations such as the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA), Bintulu Port Holdings Bhd (BPHB) and the Bintulu Port Authority, which are consistent contributors to the welfare of orphans.
“The continued support from these corporate bodies forms the backbone of Peryatim Bintulu in ensuring that orphans can celebrate Aidilfitri just like other children,” he said.
