PORT of Tanjung Pelepas Sdn Bhd (PTP), a member of MMC Group, in collaboration with Johor Port Authority (JPA) and Pelepas Terminal Inland Services Sdn Bhd (PTIS), had successfully built and handed over their first container library to SK Ladang Pendas, Gelang Patah, Johor Baru, as part of a joint CSR education-based project this year.

The official handover and launching ceremony of the container library was officiated by Johor State Education, Human Resource, Science and Technology Committee chairman Aminolhuda Hassan. Also present during the event were Johor State Public Works, Infrastructure and Transportation Committee chairman Mohd Solihan Badri, Iskandar Puteri Mayor Salehuddin Hassan, JPA chairman Rosnan Fathlal, PTP CEO Marco Neelsen and PTIS MD Mario Alberto Martinez.

With the aim to bring reading and studying activities in a comfortable and conducive setting closer to more than 80 students of the school, of which many of them come from the Orang Asli community, the Container Library project was initiated after thorough studies made by PTP and JPA found that the school had not had a proper functioning library due to lack of space and unfitting facilities.

The project that began in August 2019 saw a total of nearly 100 volunteers from all three organisations joining forces to make the project a success.

The 40’ x 40 refurbished container is equipped with air conditioning system and complete with book racks, chairs, tables and a wide range of publications, including children’s books and reference books. The library can also accommodate up to 30 students at one time and can also be converted to an audio visual or activity room.

In his speech, Aminolhuda applauded such collaboration and proactive initiative taken by PTP, JPA and PTIS to improve the standard of education in the local community as it is very well aligned with the Johor state government’s aspiration to see more synergy between the private business entities and government agencies.

“The state government is pleased to see leading private business entities in Johor such as PTP and PTIS able to work cohesively with government agency like JPA, and take proactive and responsible steps in spurring both economic and social development of the state. With this container library, students of SK Ladang Pendas will now have the necessary platform for an enriching education,” he said.

Speaking after the event, Rosnan remarked that the container library will be a beneficial information resource for the students. “Education is one of JPA’s CSR pillars and it is our hope that with this container library, all the indigenous students will now have a place to head to for reference.

“We are very proud to participate in this collaborative effort to gift a library to a local school. We believe that the children and the society around the port is something we need to invest on for the future of this area and this country,” he said.

On the other hand, Neelsen commented that PTP continuously pursues initiatives to champion social causes by investing resources into taking care of the sustainability of its community and environment.

“With the container library project, our aim is to build a library for the school students, particularly the Orang Asli community. The idea is that, instead of giving money for a contractor to build the library, we build the library ourselves by paying for the materials and get our people to collaborate with JPA and PTIS to build the library with their own hands.

“This is so much more meaningful as we are not only able to foster good relationships and celebrate the spirit of togetherness among PTP staff and the surrounding community, but most importantly to create more sustainable values beyond monetary gains,” he added.

Alisa Tepak, one of the Orang Asli students of SK Ladang Pendas said she is happy and eager to use the new library.

“Since the old library had to be accommodated for computer room, reading materials had to be arranged on racks along the classes

foyer due to lack of space. When it rains, the books become wet or destroyed. I am so happy that my school got a new beautiful library. My friends and I cannot wait to read all donated books in this library,” she said.