Laptops for Lebaran: 37 Penang students chuffed by MP’s initiative

BUKIT MERTAJAM – A university student was more than happy to usher in the Raya festivities with a laptop she received recently.

“Due to the movement control order, we can’t have proper Raya celebrations. But instead of baju raya, a laptop raya is more than enough to make me happy,” said 21-year-old Fatin Adlina Hishammuddin.

She was among 37 university students who were given a free laptop or tablet via a programme by Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim.

Fatin, an accounting student at Universiti Utara Malaysia, told The Vibes before Hari Raya Aidilfitri that she had yet to make preparations for the festivities, including buying new clothes.

For me, baju raya is not so important. This laptop is more crucial because it helps me complete the assignments given by the lecturers. I have always wanted my own laptop, but due to my family’s financial problems, I could only dream of it,” said the eldest of three siblings.

Another recipient, Athirah Rizwan, 17, said she is ready for home teaching and learning sessions (PdPR) that will be implemented again for two weeks starting Monday with Sim’s gift.

She said she has been using her mobile phone for online classes, which has not been convenient, especially when it comes to completing and handing in assignments.

It’s great to have a laptop. Before this, I only used my mobile phone to study, but now, I have a laptop and I am more enthusiastic for the coming PdPR session.”

Sim said 10 out of the 37 laptops and tablets handed over were donations from Zuwen Bina Sdn Bhd – a construction company in Bukit Mertajam – while the rest were bought using public funds.

The MP added that since the laptop and tablet giveaway programme started last year, he has donated almost 500 electronic gadgets, costing a total of between RM600,000 and RM700,000.

“Even though the PdPR has not been implemented, my team and I have never stopped giving away laptops and tablets because we are aware that they are an important need.

“With or without the pandemic, these families cannot afford to buy the devices.”

In January, Sim launched the Asal Cek Mau Pi Sekolah campaign with five initiatives to help Bukit Mertajam children weather challenges during the pandemic.

The initiatives are free homework printouts, online tutoring classes, adoption programmes, internet data top-ups and device giveaways. – The Vibes, May 14, 2021