BY ELEAZAR BARRICK PETER & JAMES WONG
KUCHING: The Kuching branch of Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) is targeting to raise a sum of RM30,000 through its annual flag sale this year, an increase from the approximately RM20,000 raised the previous year.
Its vice chairman Titus Chuo said this year’s flag sale will differ from previous years as students involved will not be permitted to solicit donations outside their school premises.
“In the past, we had students going out to collect donations. However, due to safety concerns stemming from past accidents, the Education Department has imposed restrictions on schoolchildren’s activities outside of their schools.
“Despite the restrictions, we will proceed with our flag sale as it is the annual tradition for our uniformed students,” he said.
Chuo, who is also the organising chairman, made these remarks during the flag sale launch ceremony at Heng Heng Restaurant today.
He noted that while students cannot venture outside their school grounds, they will still actively engage in flag sales within their respective school compounds.
In addition, he said the flag sale constitutes one of two main activities for uniformed students, with the other being a charity run event.
“We largely depend on fundraising efforts to fund our operations, which include staff payment, events, and training programmes,” he added.
The MRCS Kuching branch oversees a network of around 50 secondary and 100 primary schools, providing a substantial platform for the flag sale campaign.
The launch was officiated by MRCS Sarawak branch chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan. Present were MRCS Kuching branch project chairman John Jong and chairman Datuk Dr Abang Abdul Rauf Abang Zen.
