ALL secondary school leavers from low-income families in Perak, who wish to further their studies are welcome to seek financial aid from Perak Welfare Society for Poor Students.

The society’s deputy president Lian Kim Wah (pic) said application for assistance was open to all, provided they were from the state.

“Normally, the respective schools will recommend needy students to us.

“We also welcome students who get in touch with us,” he told StarMetro.

“Once a request has been received, we will send out an application form to be filled.

“We will then carry out background checks on the applicant before making a decision on eligibility,” he explained.

Lian said the society, officially known as Persatuan Kebajikan Murid-murid Miskin, Perak, has been around for 53 years.

It has funded thousands of deserving students pursuing tertiary education.

“The funds disbursed to the students vary and depend on how much we are able to collect from the public,” said Lian.

“If we are able to collect X amount of money and have 10 applicants, we will disburse part of the collection equally between them, and keep some for future students.”

He said an applicant could only apply once.

It’s up to the students how they spend the funds, whether they spend it on books, computers or other relevant expenses, he added.

Lian expressed hope for more public support so that more students could get aid.

He said the funds were mostly from public donations.

“Donations made to us are tax exempted.

“We also have an auditor to check the funds,” he said.

For details, call 012-511 2288 (Lian), 019-552 9933 (Low Seng Cheong) or email to [email protected]