The charity market strengthens the spirit of community

KUCHING, Oct 11: Annual Charity Market Visit of Chung Hua Middle School No. 1 reflects the spirit of solidarity of the school community in helping to raise funds to cover the operating costs of the educational institution.

Deputy Prime Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said that the spirit of solidarity and community support for education should be exemplified in building a prosperous and developed Sarawak.

According to him, every sector of society plays a role in contributing to the development of the state regardless of how large or small the contributions are made.

"Chinese school education not only emphasizes the mastery of science and language, but also fosters values of kindness, concern and responsibility to help educational institutions.

"This spirit is very important in the construction of the Sarawak nation, namely how everyone plays their role and fulfills their responsibilities for this state", he said.

He said this when he was contacted by the media after inaugurating Chung Hua Middle School No. One here, today.

Commenting further, Dr Sim said the Government of Sarawak is committed to helping ease the financial burden on Chinese schools through annual allocations that have been consistently channelled since 2014.

He said the allocation had increased from RM3 million in the early stages to RM10 million a year at present.

"RM10 million a year is very helpful because it can cover up to three to six months of teachers' salaries", he said.

He explained that Chinese schools are open to all races especially at the elementary level, with more and more Bumiputera students applying in the institution.

He said the involvement of the Bumiputera community in winning the charity market, including through the opening of sales outlets, reflected their shared support for education.

In this regard, he hoped that continued cooperation between the government and society could ensure that educational institutions continue to receive support for generating knowledgeable and skilled generations.

Chung Hua Charity Market Middle School No. 1 2026 saw the opening of 111 outlets offering food, drinks and daily necessities, with a fundraising target exceeding RM350,000.

In addition to fundraising, the event also provides students with an opportunity to learn the basics of entrepreneurship through sales activities outside the classroom.