LAHAD DATU, March 31 — The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom), which is responsible for maintaining security in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), today provided aid to primary school pupils in the area through its ‘Back To School ESSCom’ programme.

ESSCom chief executive officer Jamaluddin Mohd Ali said the programme, in collaboration with the District Education Office and Syarikat Canggih Maju Sdn Bhd, benefited 200 underprivileged pupils, with each receiving bags and school supplies.

“The rising cost of living, which has not only hit the country but the whole world following the Covid-19 pandemic and natural disasters, has resulted in some not being able to provide for the needs of their school-going children, but that is not an excuse for us to neglect education because education is a crucial element towards changing their lives for the better.

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“Through social service programmes, government departments and private companies can help the underprivileged (so that) they will not continue to be left behind in the national development agenda,” he said at the launch of the ‘Back To School ESSCom’ programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Batu 6 ½ here.

He also thanked Syarikat Canggih Maju Jaya for the concern shown as the main contributor to the programme through its corporate social responsibility initiative.

“Hopefully, this school kit assistance can, to some extent, put a smile on the children’s faces and make them determined to study in a more conducive environment,” he said.

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Jamaluddin also advised the aid recipients to use the hardships they are going through today as motivation to succeed in future. — Bernama