PORT OF TANJUNG PELEPAS AND JOHOR PORT AUTHORITY BRING RAYA JOY TO LOCAL COMMUNITY

ISKANDAR PUTERI, 4 April 2024 – Port of Tanjung Pelepas Sdn Bhd (PTP), a member of MMC Group, together with Johor Port Authority (JPA) continued their tradition of spreading the festive spirit of Hari Raya Aidilfitri and bringing smiles to those in need in and around Gelang Patah and Johor Bahru.

Through a rebranded Mahabbah Ramadan program, as part of PTP’s broader Kasih Lestari efforts in an unwavering commitment to corporate social investment, some 250 individuals from orphanages, single-parent households, people with disabilities and lowincome families within the local community received not only essential aid, but also warmth and love during this holy month.

Each recipient received a special care box packed with essential ingredients for a joyous Hari Raya feast, including rice, sugar, flour, glutinous rice, dried noodles, spices and instant ketupat. Additionally, they were presented with Mydin vouchers worth RM100 each, as well as an assortment of kuih raya.

The program was graced by Datuk Pandak Ahmad, Assemblyman of Kota Iskandar at Wisma PTP, with the company of Mark Hardiman, CEO of PTP, and Rosnan Fathlal, Chairman of JPA. Other notable guests included Mohamad Faiz Mohd Pandi, Penghulu of Tanjung Kupang subdistrict, representatives from the Johor Bahru District Office and respective village heads from the surrounding communities, among others.

In his speech, Datuk Pandak Ahmad commended PTP and JPA for their on-going commitment to social responsibility.

“I take pride in witnessing the collaborative efforts between PTP as a private entity and JPA as a government agency, coming together for the greater good of the local community, particularly the underprivileged. This partnership brings a sense of warmth and love during this special occasion of Ramadan, offering support as they navigate through life’s challenges,” he expressed.

Mark Hardiman, PTP’s CEO highlighted that PTP has been conducting its Ramadan and Raya giveaway for more than 16 years, in collaboration with government agencies like JPA as well as various local community leaders and residents, with its primary aim to deliver necessary assistance and ease the burden of the needy in the surrounding communities where PTP operates.

“At PTP, we believe in supporting and uplifting the communities we operate in; while the distribution of essential aid embodies the essence of Ramadan which is the spirit of giving. Mahabbah Ramadan, which literally translates to “deep love” serves as a heartfelt gesture to extend the blessings of Ramadan and Aidilfitri to our neighbours, enriching the festive season for all, particularly the underprivileged, touching their hearts and lives in a meaningful way,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rosnan Fathlal, JPA’s Chairman also emphasized JPA’s on-going commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at uplifting the lives of the underprivileged.

“We do the collaboration with PTP to extend assistance to those in need within the port’s surrounding communities. This program not only exemplifies the strength of partnership fostering a more inclusive and caring society, but also allows us to alleviate the underprivileged groups’ burdens, ensuring they will not be left out of the Hari Raya celebration,” he added.

At the opening of Mahabbah Ramadan, PTP also fêted 40 underprivileged children of Rumah Fitrah Qaseh and Nusajaya community-based rehabilitation centre (PDK) in a buka puasa event at its premises.

The event showcased an array of activities, providing children with the opportunity to enjoy the company of PTP’s volunteers and explore the port during an engaging tour. A highlight for many was the visit to the port’s fire and rescue station, where the children experienced being junior firefighters for a day. Additionally, the children participated in mini-games, arts and crafts activities with PTP’s volunteers, all leading up to the evening iftar.

Earlier, PTP had also distributed more than 2,000 servings of bubur lambuk, jointly prepped and cooked by volunteers from PTP and local villages in Mukim Tanjung Kupang.

The bubur lambuk were handed out to orphanages, senior citizen care centres, mosques and other deserving community members surrounding PTP.

The annual PTP bubur lambuk distribution was a collaborative effort between PTP and the communities of Kampung Pok, Kampung Tiram Duku, Kampung Ladang, Kampung Pekajang, Kampung Tanjung Adang and Desa Paya Mengkuang.

Also present to lend a helping hand during the event were Mark Hardiman together with PTP’s Senior Management and several of its Heads of Departments.

Both Mahabbah Ramadan and the bubur lambuk distribution also nurtures the spirit of giving and volunteerism among PTP’s employees. To date, PTP has a growing pool of volunteers who are dedicated in community relations and its many social initiatives.

PTP’s corporate social investment framework focuses on three key areas: education, environment, and community development to uplift the lives of its surrounding communities.