8 February, BUTTERWORTH – Setia Fontaines, a subsidiary of leading property developer S P Setia, proactively assisted three schools that were affected by the recent floods in Penang. After conducting site visits and assessing the damages done, the team led by General Manager, Ricky Yeo dedicated the following weeks to liaising with teachers and external suppliers in purchasing items needed for the schools. A handover ‘ceremony’ was conducted today to officially deliver all items to the designated schools, namely SJKC Mak Mandin, SK Sungai Dua and Madrasah Al-Nushu Wal Irtiqa.
The ceremony was made more meaningful with the presence of the team from Setia Fontaines and S P Setia Foundation, the corporate responsibility arm of S P Setia that focuses its social efforts in educating the society, particularly young children.
“In an industry that revolves around bricks and mortar, S P Setia is more than just a builder – we continuously strive to connect with communities and create sustainable environments that enrich lives,” said Yeo while delivering his speech. “We are proud to be able to make a difference to the students and teachers as well as the extended communities of the schools,” he added.
The principal of SJKC Mak Mandin, Beh Khoon Tiang was thankful to receive assistance from Setia Fontaines. He explained that classrooms, science labs and the school’s library which are located on the ground floor of the building were badly hit by the floods, causing destruction to most of the library books in the process. The school received a brand new refrigerator for its science lab as well as 200 new books for the library from S P Setia.
SK Sungai Dua on the other hand, was not affected by the flash floods due to their location on higher ground. However, the torrential rain and wind caused damages to its covered walkway and part of the polycarbonate roof had been torn off; leaving the walkway unprotected from rain and direct sunlight. “Besides presenting the school with 200 brand new library books, we also engaged contractors to replace the roofing so that the students and teachers could continue using it while carrying out their daily routines,” said Yeo.
As for Madrasah Al-Nushu Wal Irtiqa, which only opens from 3pm-7pm on weekdays, flood waters rose to a high of 1-metre during the rainy season. Most of the equipment and furniture were damaged beyond repair. S P Setia stepped in to provide relief items including a photocopier machine, computers, steel bookshelves, speakers, tables and chairs as well as new books for the library.
Yeo explained that it was no easy feat to coordinate the exercise as it took a lot of effort to meet with the teachers and external parties to source for the right relief items. The year-end school holidays also made it challenging for the team as the schools were closed and teachers were away on their breaks. “With sheer dedication and teamwork, Team Setia has made it happen!” he said.
For enquiries on Setia Fontaines, please call 04-6180225. For more information on the S P Setia Foundation or to register as a volunteer, please log on to www.setiafoundation.com.my.