Ipoh – In keeping with its commitment to promote an interest for reading especially amongst rural school children, Chemical Company of Malaysia Berhad (CCM) has donated another RM30,000 worth of referral books on science, technology and health - its fourth annual contribution to 10 primary schools in Perak.

Since the inception of this program in 2006, 24,000 students from 37 rural schools in Perak have benefited from CCM’s contribution of 2,000 books worth more than RM110,000 of books in English and Bahasa Malaysia, including encyclopedia sets.

The donation is a corner stone of CCM’s corporate responsibility initiative to provide rural school children equal opportunities as their urban peers to experience the joy of reading the latest books on science, health and technology.

CCM Bhd Group Managing Director, Dato’ Dr Mohd Hashim Tajudin said it is vital for children to acquire a passion for reading from a very young age as it offers many advantages that will help aid their intellectual growth during the key stages of their lives and later develop into successful adults.

"While reading, you tend to subconsciously picture a vivid image in your mind about the story or topic. This exercises and challenges the mind to help keep build a capacity for enquiry and knowledge. In the process one becomes more knowledgeable and confident.

Reading is an acquired habit and through constant encouragement will become second nature and the information gained from a wide range of books makes students more knowledgeable and enables them to gain an edge to succeed in whatever fields that they choose in their lives.

“When students read various books, they inevitably become knowledgeable in diverse areas and reading constantly will help them in gaining different perspectives. This enhances their ability to think out of the box and offer creative solutions when it comes to problem solving. Without a doubt, a well-read student is more imaginative and has the ability and confidence to take an ingenious approach to connect the dots compared to others who might not be able to relate to a certain situation," said Dato’ Dr Mohd Hashim.

Additionally, reading can tremendously improve students’ vocabulary and language skills to help them excel in their studies. "Avid readers are more exposed to new words, phrases and idioms that are used in many different ways. Reading not only lets you discover new things but also enjoy and appreciate the interaction with new words every day," Dato' Dr Mohd Hashim added.

"In spite of the introduction and availability of new mediums on the computers and internet, reading will continue to be a relevant and proven avenue to knowledge accumulation. Students need to know that the benefits of reading will definitely last a lifetime," he added.

Director of Perak State of Education, Tn Hj Mohd Radzi Abd Jabar who was present at the presentation ceremony commended CCM for their initiative in promoting learning and confidence building amongst rural school children in the state through reading.

"I commend and thank CCM for its continuing efforts as it provides a chance for the students, especially those in the rural communities to discover and explore the wonders of reading, especially the latest developments in science, technology and health," said Tn Hj. Mohd Radzi.

This effort complements the Group’s corporate responsibility initiative towards educational development in Malaysia. CCM also contributes to other educational projects by providing scholarships to local university students through the CCM Foundation as well as to children of small holders through the Golden Growers Club.

CCM is listed on the main board of Bursa Malaysia and is a key player in the fertilizers, chemicals and pharmaceuticals industry.

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Issued with the compliments of Chemical Company of Malaysia Berhad
Through Eric Pringle Associates Public Relations Sdn Bhd
For further information, please contact Ida Fazila Ismail
At 03-2161 7144/49/54 or e-mail at ifazila@epapr.com.my