[Malaysia] Najib lauds Westports’ Zero Poverty Programme

from The Business Times

WESTPORTS Malaysia’s “Zero Poverty Programme” in Pulau Indah will continue to provide a helping hand to the needy who are currently living in poverty.

This community relations programme initiated by Westports has received the thumbs up from Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who recently personally delivered Westports’ contributions to 18 recipients of this programme.

Westports has embarked on a mission to alleviate poverty among Pulau Indah’s rural folks. Over the years, the port has contributed over RM1 million for various projects that have brought significant changes to the lives of the island residents.

Najib, who was at Westports to welcome the maiden call of the world’s biggest container vessel from China, Xin LA, said the monthly contributions by Westports over and above the monthly payments made by the Welfare Department will help alleviate those living in poverty on the island.

“The families in Pulau Indah will no longer fall under the category of ‘hardcore poor’, thanks to Westports’ contributions to the needy to assist in managing their daily lives,” Najib said after the presentation of contributions to the island folks.

“Poverty is something that nobody should face at this stage of national development, and thus we have identified and provided aid to a number of people in the island that are currently living in poverty,” said Westports executive chairman Tan Sri G. Gnanalingam in a statement.

“As a good corporate citizen, it is our duty and responsibility to lend a helping hand to the needy, thus we are making cash contributions to the needy to assist in managing their daily lives,” he added.

Gnanalingam said it is Westports’ philosophy to provide a better lifestyle for these residents and to alleviate poverty.

Pulau Indah was just a fishing village prior to the island becoming a major port in this region.

The Pulau Indah poverty eradication programme is basically to assist those who are battling to keep their families together and to ensure zero poverty among the island folks.

The Westports’ Pulau Indah Community project, an ongoing activity in the past 11 years, has given Pulau Indah a major facelift and the people a new hope in life.