Malaysia is a country that’s filled with diversity. With that said, every race is permitted to practice their own faith and culture. TO take things up a notch, vernacular schools are built to encourage the students to learn different language or practice their own mother tongue. Just today (13 December), a rubber trader residing in Setiawan has gone viral for his generosity.
M’sian uncle refuses to collect rent from Tamil primary school
According to Sin Chew, a Tamil primary school’s legacy was able to be passed down from one generation to another, all thanks to this selfless man. It was said that over 30 years ago, rubber trader, Yek Dong Ping had bought a piece of agricultural land for RM330,000 in Ayer Tawar.
Source: Sin Chew
As he purchased the piece of land, a Tamil school had already been operating since 1938 and instead of discontinuing the school, using the land for his own benefit, he decided to let the school continue running its operation. And throughout the years of the school operating on the piece of land, Yek has made a clear decision to not collect any rent for them.
In addition to that, Yek also went the extra mile by helping the school pay their quit rent, as their building was occupied half an acre of the land.
They deserve the opportunity to learn their mother tongue
“I want the Indian children to have the opportunity to learn their mother tongue”, said the 78-year-old man.
Last year, representatives of the school had visited him, expressing their intentions on wanting to refurbish the school so that the students can study in a better environment. After much discussing, Yek was more than happy to let go 3 acres of his land for the price of RM400,000.
Source: Sin Chew
“I also expressed my desire to support their cause and donate RM50,000 to the school, so I lowered the price to RM350,000”, he mentioned.
Unfortunately, the school was unable to raise RM350,000 and Yek agreed to donate another RM50,000 lowering the price to RM300,000. When asked why he was supporting the school so much, the 78-year-old man shared that he wanted to be able to offer opportunities to the children especially the Indian rubber tappers’ children to receive education.
“I’m not rich, but I can still afford.”
“In return, I also gain the support of Indian tappers that helps with my income”, he shared.
Source: Sin Chew
Other than paying the quit rent for the school, the man also sponsored for various school events and would even arrange crates of mandarin oranges to the school so that they could give it out to the children. With his generosity and selflessness, the two vice headmistresses were very grateful for his support towards the school.
“I’m not rich, but I can still afford this”, said the rubber trader.
With his help and support of the past 3 decades, the school is able to continue its operations, ensuring that the children are able to learn and practice their mother tongue.
Indeed, a noble act thank you for your generosity, Mr. Yek!
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