JACTIM TO CONTINUE HELPING M'SIANS DESPITE JAPAN'S ECONOMIC HARD TIME

SIBU (Malaysia), Aug 12 (Bernama) -- The Japanese Chamber of Trade and
Commerce, Malaysia (JACTIM) aims to continue supporting worthy causes in this
country.

The director and chairman of its International Culture Exchange Committee
Hiroei Suzuki said this was because it wanted to "further strengthen the
existing friendly bilateral relations between the two countries".

Suzuki had earlier presented a RM40,000 (USD1=RM3.00) donation to the
Association of Children With Special Needs, Sibu at its premises, here, Friday.


"The business environment is still very difficult for JACTIM member
companies," he said.

On March 11, Japan was hit by an earthquake and tsunami, followed by a
nuclear radioactive crisis which have all adversely impacted Japan's economy.


But JACTIM, Suzuki said, would continue to assist and since 1983, through
its JACTIM Foundation, had helped in educational, cultural and social
development.

He said Japan too greatly appreciated Malaysia's assistance following the
recent disaster.

On the aid, he said the foundation had begun to extend its support to
Sarawak beginning this year.

He said the amount was for the purchase of some urgently needed machinery,
like the MotoMed Gracile for the children's rehabilitation programme,
and sliding table saws and dust collectors for them to learn carpentry.

Sibu Municipal Council chairman Tiong Thai King, who is also chairman
of the association's management committee, said the donation was a historic
occasion for the association and showed recognition for the association's work.