“Mystery” Man Sends 2 Boats to Sabah Villagers After Viral Photos of School Children Commuting

By Karissa Lund  •  24 Jan 2022 in News

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Just last week, Borneo Voice shared horrifying images on Facebook of school children getting into a packed skiff on their way to school.

Clearly operating over its intended capacity, the viral post mentioned that this was a common sight for schoolchildren of Kg. Pituru and Timbang Taun on their daily journey to SK Mangkapon, Pitas in Sabah in the last two years.

Many Malaysians were upset with the sight and urged the government to take proper action as many were concerned over the safety of the children.

Again, OP relying on the power of virality. The sad state we’re in, if it is not viral it does not exist? I can’t imagine how many other struggling children are waiting for their stories to go viral in order to get some help. The help that they properly deserve. https://t.co/46rKjP2soL

— Ayu Musa (@ayuscure) January 18, 2022

Recently though, help has come for the schoolchildren as a “mysterious” man from the peninsula has sent two boats to their village.

According to FMT, a villager in Pitas, Khairul Abidin, said the man, identified as Mohd Zulhairi Zainol, had sent him a message on 20 Jan that his organisation wanted to donate two boats after reading about the children’s dilemma in the media.

Before they knew it, the boats – made of glass fibre, were delivered the next day.

Khairul also mentioned that the donor had introduced himself as someone from Pertubuhan Amal Team in Selangor and said they would arrange for two boats to be sent to our village.

“So far, I have not met or seen him but have only heard his voice on the phone. In any case, we are so grateful that someone from as far as the peninsula is willing to help,” Khairul said.

Meanwhile, Bengkoka assemblyman who is also the Deputy Rural Minister for Sabah, Harun Durabi said on 15 Jan that he is working towards securing funds to get bigger boats to serve his community as well as life jackets for the school children who have to use the boats to go to school.

“I will have to get the exact number of school children for the safety jackets. I will visit them soon,” he said when asked to comment on the plight of the school children.