The prime minister’s wife Rosmah Mansor today presented 1Malaysia Single Parents Association a donation of RM600,000, proceeds from the rockmelon project at Seri Perdana.
Initially, five acres were earmarked for the project by Iris Corporation Berhad but only one acre was found suitable. As replacement, rockmelon was cultivated on four acres owned by Iris.
Rosmah said the idea to utilise land at Seri Perdana came from hearing stories on challenges and difficulties faced by single parents in raising children via the media.
“I was very touched with their plight and then came the idea of implementing a project in which the proceeds will be distributed to needy associations.
“Iris Corporation began planting rockmelon last year and now we are enjoying proceeds from the first harvest amounting RM600,000,” she said at Seri Perdana.
She said the project would be continued but the proceeds would be donated to different associations adding the rights of single parents should be given serious attention.
“The reality is that single parents are no longer marginalised or only beneficiaries of development. They must be actively involved as agents of change and pillar of development.
“To remain relevant in development, they must strive to increase knowledge, skills and innovation.”
Rosmah urged agencies and the private sector to increase women participation in employment by introducing the concept of working from home and setting up more childcare centres.
– Bernama
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