RISDA Appreciates SPM Top Achievers Who Took Part In Its Tuition Programme

KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) today recognised 884 rural students and children of smallholders for being top achievers in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2024 through their participation in the tuition programme, Tuisyen Rakyat RISDA.

The RISDA People's Tuition Appreciation Ceremony 2024, which took place at a hotel here, was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW).

As a token of appreciation for the students' hard work and fighting spirit, Ahmad Zahid announced the provision of a special incentive of RM300 to all students who achieved excellence in the examination.

Ahmad Zahid said the implementation of the programme reflects the commitment of the MADANI Rural Aspirations so that no rural child is left behind due to location or background constraints.

"I am confident that this effort will yield results. I am actually looking at future professionals, scholars, technocrats, and perhaps there is even someone in front of me who will become the Prime Minister of Malaysia," said the Deputy Prime Minister.

Also present were KKDW deputy minister Datuk Rubiah Wang, RISDA chairman Manndzri Nasib, MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, KKDW secretary-general Muhd Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar and RISDA director-general Zainal Azni Zulkifli.

At the event, Ahmad Zahid also announced that the Monsoon Season Assistance (BMT) will continue this year, involving an allocation of RM264.91 million by RISDA to assist more than 330,000 smallholders, including those registered under FELDA and the Sabah Rubber Industry Board (LIGS), in facing the unpredictable weather.

Meanwhile, Manndzri said the RISDA tuition programme, which was introduced in 2007, has proven its effectiveness in improving the academic achievements of smallholders’ children nationwide.

"This year, recorded a 35 per cent increase with 884 students in the programme successfully obtaining 5As and above compared to 654 students last year.  Well done and congratulations to all students, you have not only made your parents and teachers happy, but also brought glory to the community and village," he said.

Manndzri also said the programme, which cost RM3.52 million last year, not only improved the living standards of smallholders, but also developed rural human capital through quality education and benefitted 3,015 participants nationwide.

A total of 1,005 instructors provided intensive guidance in five core subjects at 201 tuition centres, with a maximum capacity of 15 participants per centre to ensure a conducive and focused learning environment.

He added that the programme has benefitted 35,316 students, with a total allocation of RM31.03 million.

Meanwhile, student Siti Sarah Sabri, 18, of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Gulau, Sik, Kedah, who is a rubber tapper’s daughter and the seventh of nine siblings, said that the programme has indeed helped students from underprivileged families.

“This programme has helped me a lot, especially when I haven’t participated in any other tuition. Without guidance, my enthusiasm and motivation to study are lacking. So, when there is free tuition, I am enthusiastic to study.

“This tuition has also succeeded in increasing my potential. It not only eases the financial burden, but RISDA also provide books which proved very helpful, and I was able to achieve excellent results," said Siti Sarah, who obtained 9As in the SPM examination.

Another student, Nur Syafiqah I'zzati Mohamad Affendi, 18, said that participating in the RISDA tuition programme helped her in her academic performance after falling behind a bit in Form Five because she had to sit for the Religious Secondary Certificate examination.

"But after joining this tuition programme, I managed to catch up on my studies. Before, I failed many subjects, but finally I managed to get 9As. This programme has been very helpful," said the student of Sekolah Menengah Agama (SMA) Al-Ittifaqiyyah Guai, Bera, Pahang.

-- BERNAMA