No let-up in firm’s CSR effort

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AS COMPANIES are tightening their belts to cope with the current economic situation, many have, sadly, cut their budget for corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes substantially.

As a result, it is learnt, charities are having difficulty in making ends meet in view of the substantial drop in donations.

Festive gift: Yusoff (second from left) and Azmi (left) giving duit raya to the children from Pusat Jagaan Lambaian Kasih in Kampung Sungai Penchala while Ismail (second from right) and Sazally look on.

Thus, it was refreshing that Damansara-Puchong Highway concessionaire Litrak (Lingkaran Trans Kota Sdn Bhd) insisted its annual charity event must go on even during times like these.

The company treated some 50 children from privately-run orphanage Pusat Jagaan Lambaian Kasih in Kampung Sungai Penchala to a buka puasa event held at its operation complex in Bandar Sunway on Friday. Each of the children received a hamper and duit raya of RM50.

Present at the function were Malaysian Highway Authority director-general Datuk Ismail Md Salleh, Litrak executive director Yusoff Daud, director Datuk Azmi Mat Nor, chief executive officer Sazally Saidi and chief operating officer Richard Lim and Pusat Jagaan Lambaian Kasih manager Mohd Basir Abdullah.

At the same event, the company also gave away cash prizes totalling almost RM10,000 to the winners of the 1Malaysia poster drawing competition, which received more than 100 entries. The 16 winning entries for two categories – for those aged 12 to 17 years and those aged 18 and above – were selected by two judges.

In his speech, Yusoff urged corporations to increase their charitable deeds even if times were bad.

“We are on austerity mode but if every one of us were to go on this drive and cut down how will the poor and unfortunate survive?” he asked.

He said the company would cut down on expenses through other means but would continue with its various CSR programmes with the given allocation.

He added that the company was proud to play a part in promoting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s concept of 1Malaysia.

“The entries received were an eye-opener of sorts, as the concept of 1Malaysia was presented by the young minds in many great ways, which showed a clear understanding of what 1Malaysia is all about,” he added.

The function also marked the launch of Litrak’s road safety campaign, which focuses on motorcyclists this year.

A series of awareness activities are in the pipeline to educate motorcyclists, especially on safe riding.

“It is no secret that motorcycle accidents are still alarmingly high, so this campaign is in line with the government’s call to reduce the number of road accidents, especially those involving motorcyclists,” he said.