BY MOHD FARHAAN SHAH

Raja Zarith (right) presenting a mock cheque to the Malaysian Red Crescent Datuk Mohd Rashidi Mohd Nor (left) while Tan looks on. – ABDUL RAHMAN EMBONG/The Star

JOHOR BARU: A total of 39 charitable organisations in Johor have received a helping hand, thanks to the Better Malaysia Foundation (BMF) and philanthropist Tan Sri Vincent Tan.

Tan, who is also Berjaya Corporation Berhad founder and BMF chairman, donated RM1mil.

Permaisuri Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Binti Almarhum Sultan Idris selected the charitable organisations which received the donations from the foundation.

Tan presented the mock cheques to representatives from the charitable organisations during a luncheon held at Berjaya Waterfront Hotel here.

Also present at the ceremony were Raja Zarith, Tunku Mahkota Johor’s royal consort Che’ Puan Khaleeda Bustamam, Tunku Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and Johor Mentri Besar’s wife Datin Seri Rosni Omar.

Among the charitable organisations that received the donations were the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) Community Services, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Generasiku Sayang Negeri Johor, Malaysian Sikh Union Johor branch, Johor Cerebral Palsy Association and Johor Baru Palliative Care Association.

Tan said he hopes the money would come in handy to the organisations, especially during the current economic situation.

“I am glad that we were able to assist these 39 charitable organisations in achieving their noble objectives especially during these difficult times.

“I hope this financial support will make a positive difference in building a more caring and supportive Malaysian society,” he said in a statement.

Besides this initiative, the Berjaya Group also contributes to other areas of social need such as education, health, international humanitarian aid, support for local performing arts as well as environmental and animal causes.