WESTPORTS Malaysia executive chairman feels that it is like a tsunami everyday for those living in poverty and it is something that no one should face at this stage of development.

“As a good corporate citizen, it is our duty to lend a helping hand to the needy,” he said.

Little wonder, then, that poverty eradication has made big strides, thanks to the government’s efforts that are also complemented by private sector efforts, like the adoption of Pulau Indah by Westports. While the Ninth Malaysia Plan will certainly build on this success, Westports can certainly declare Zero Poverty at one of Malaysia’s most remote fishing islands.

Profits, Passion and Compassion are the bottom line of any company. At Westports, profits mean sustaining business, the ability to control and expand as well as satisfying shareholders expectations. As an organisation, the port is also passionate for its people, especially, in creating total employee satisfaction.

Westports is also synonymous with Pulau Indah, which has brought about compassion for its surroundings. Westports’ social responsibility initiatives are aimed at giving back to the community. This is driven by the belief that care should be given to the needy in its own backyard.

Westports has subscribed strongly to the belief that economic development must involve and benefit all citizens. The port strongly believes in the philosophy of growth with equality. Since opening in 1994, Westports has adopted long-term policies with regard to poverty eradication: -
  • To eradicate poverty at Pulau Indah by providing financial      assistance and job opportunities.
  • To elevate the quality of life and upgrade living standards at Pulau      Indah.
  • To enhance education and health standards of the local community      at Pulau Indah.

In providing for the vulnerable groups, the thrust of the port has always been to enhance income-earning opportunities for the people as well as complementing the government’s efforts in the poverty alleviation programmes.

The port’s community projects began in 1995 with the building and renovations of schools, sports and recreational facilities.

Over the years, the port has contributed more than RM3mil for various community projects at Pulau Indah.

Today, Westports not only provides job opportunities for the locals, but also provides monthly financial assistance to those who are poor as well as orphaned children. About 60% of Westports employees are Pulau Indah residents, with 70% being bumiputras. The success of Westports Poverty Eradication Programme is evident from the sharp decline in the incidence of poverty.

Programmes implemented at Pulau Indah:

• Annual Grant of RM80,000 presented from 1998 to 2003 to the Penghulu of Pulau Indah for various social and welfare programmes. Increased to RM100,000 from 2004
• Repair and rebuilding of houses damaged by strong wind and thunderstorms. (March 2006 and June 2007)
• Monthly financial assistance of RM200 to 50 identified families from 2004
• Monthly pocket money of RM50 to 20 selected orphans from 2004
• Klinik Masyarakat for Pulau Indah catering to antenatal, minor surgeries and asthma treatment. Also provides free medical consultation, subsidised medicine, free Westports Ambulance and Fire Brigade services and free medical screening at Telok Gong and Pulau Indah as part of a Healthy Lifestyle campaign.
• Westports Ambulance and Fire Engine emergency services for Pulau Indah residents.
• Upgrading school facilities including setting up computer labs, library and holding examination clinics.
• Yearly cash contributions to Mosques and Suraus during month of Ramadan

Other community programmes include: -

Care for Women and Children
Westnita (Westports’ Women Organisation)
“Westnita is a meaningful organisation for the womenfolk,” Westnita chairman Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam said.
Westnita is the brainchild of Gnanalingam to create an avenue for greater contribution by women both in the workplace and community.
Westnita has carried out numerous programmes and projects like motivational talks for women and children, special tuition for exam classes, summer camp for children to promote team spirit and strong moral values, a visit to Paya Indah Wetlands and Petrosains for children and a Charity Bazaar which raised funds matched by an equal sum from Westports to provide Pusat Jagaan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Klang with two containers fully equipped as physiotherapy and tuition rooms for the children.

City Survival Skills Workshop

The City Survival Skills Workshop was introduced in 2007 to help women and teenage girls be more street-smart with much-needed defensive and escape tactics.

Westnita has so far organized two of these workshops. Each session received overwhelming response with as many as 200 participants attending the half-day session.

DPM Lauds Westports Zero Poverty Programme

According to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, the monthly contributions by Westports, over and above the monthly payments made by the Welfare Department, have helped elevate those living in poverty on the island.

He pointed out that the port not only provides financial aid, but also helps to improve the living conditions.

Appreciation for Senior Citizens

Every year, Westports conducts an appreciation event for Senior Citizens. Last year, Westports celebrated the nation’s 50th Merdeka Day with the Senior Citizens comprising employees’ parents and grand parents, aged 70-years-old and above.

Some 36 Merdeka veterans were brought together to rekindle the spirit of August 31, 1957, as well as to share the memories from that remarkable day in history, at a special gathering organised at the port.
As the port started progressing, the Poverty Eradication programme also got moving at a faster pace to reflect a win-win situation.

It became the responsibility of all staff working at Westports. It was not surprising to see staff of various departments getting involved in the programme, led by the executive chairman.

The significant change that has emerged at this once remote island is not only due to the existence of the port, but also the sincerity, commitment and sustainability of the CR initiatives that continue until now.

The Zero Poverty Programme at Pulau Indah as well as other community projects undertaken for the past 13 years have given Pulau Indah a major facelift and the people a new hope in life.

Through a host of programmes organized by Westports for the community, it has served as a catalyst towards attaining better social conditions, medical benefits and education facilities for the local people.

“If only we could look after the welfare and well being of the community that we operate in, I strongly believe that there will be no incidence of poverty in this country.

“As Westports is located in Pulau Indah, it is only natural that priority should be given to the humble folks of the island.

“We still have pockets of poor and destitute in our midst in need of better shelter, education and health facilities.

“It is our company’s philosophy to provide a better lifestyle for these residents and to elevate them from poverty,” Gnanalingam said.


The Star, 23.08.2008