The Umno Welfare Bureau (BiKUM) will open National Education Savings Scheme (SSPN-i) accounts free of charge for more than 3,000 Year One pupils who were affected by the floods in Penang.

BiKUM chairman Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the bureau had given donations to about 7,000 families in 11 districts in Penang who were affected by the disaster, especially in Kepala Batas, Permatang Pauh and Tasek Gelugor.

“We have also given all sorts of donations and free medical treatment through the BiKUM Medic Team. BiKUM also gave out free SSPN-i accounts to more than 3,000 Year One pupils, amounting to RM320,000,” he said at an Umno Bantu Rakyat 2.0 programme here today.

Shamsul who is also chairman of the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) said borrowers who show evidence that they were affected by the floods will be given some payment exemptions.

“Even though we know that what we are giving is not much, it is a token of our sympathy for those who were hit by this disaster,” he said.

- Bernama