Raja Zarith Sofia launches "Because We Care" Chancellor's Fund

The Permaisuri of Johor, Raja Zarith Sofia Sultan Idris Shah today officially launched "Because We Care" Chancellor's Fund inspired by her, to help poor students of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).

The soft launch held at a hotel here four days ago amassed about RM1.8 million from various parties, including from the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar who donated RM500,000.

The other donors included Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and the State Executive councillors, who each contributed RM20,000.

Companies including Country Garden Pacific View and AirAsia also donated a sum of money to the fund.

Speaking to reporters after the launch, Raja Zarith Sofia said the fund will be used to buy food, study items and for medical cost of some 5,000 poor students.

"I know that many students have to go hungry and depend on instant noodles because they return the money to help their parents," she added.