PRESS STATEMENT BY YAB CHOW KON YEOW Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP)

 

PRESS STATEMENT BY YAB CHOW KON YEOW, CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG

KOMTAR, GEORGE TOWN, 21 APRIL 2022

 

 

I am delighted to announce that the Government of Japan is once again offering a small scale financial assistance scheme known as the Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP). Commonly referred to as Kusa-no-ne in Japan (with “Kusa” meaning ‘grass’ and “Ne” meaning ‘roots’ in Japanese), this assistance scheme has been in Malaysia since 1989 based on the agreement between the Governments of both countries in supporting grass-roots projects run and operated by non-profit organisations including local NGOs. To date, 158 projects have been implemented in Malaysia totaling over RM19.7 million in funding assistance and contributed towards enhancing the welfare of Malaysians.

The maximum grant amount is approximately RM330,000 per project, with the aim of supporting projects that promote socio-economic development such as basic human needs, primary health care, primary education, poverty relief, public welfare and environment.

Those who have benefitted from the GGP included two Penang NGOs in year 2020, namely –

  • Nicholas’ Home, Penang

A grant amount totaling USD42,053 (equivalent to RM 170,444)
was awarded under the GGP to help maintain and expand vocational training programmes and services for the visually impaired by repairing the roofs of each of the facilities.

  • Eden Handicap Service Centre Berhad

A grant amount totaling USD59,573 (equivalent to RM 241,448) was awarded under the GGP to procure two vehicles which will assist in strengthening the independence of people with intellectual disabilities in their effort to undergo vocational training.

The application deadline for the 2022 GGP will be on 31 May 2022. Penang NGOs are highly encouraged to submit their duly completed application forms to the Consulate-General of Japan in Penang ( Alamat emel ini dilindungi dari Spambot. Anda perlu hidupkan JavaScript untuk melihatnya. ).

For further information or queries, prospective applicants may also contact the Japanese Consulate-General’s Economic section (Tel: 04-2263030, Email:Alamat emel ini dilindungi dari Spambot. Anda perlu hidupkan JavaScript untuk melihatnya. / Address: Level 28, Menara BHL, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050, Penang).

Pejabat Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang Tingkat 28, KOMTAR, 10502, George Town, Pulau Pinang