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Kota Kinabalu: A new avenue has opened for kind-hearted individuals to support charitable work with the formation of the Lions Club of Api-Api.

The club, led by its Charter President Chris Liaw Tze Ling, was launched during an induction and fundraising dinner held at Wisma Hakka Hall. 

The event was officiated by Lions New Century Star City President Ting Shyh Tem and Constitutional Area Leader Eve Wong.

“This charter was established to create more platforms for compassionate individuals to contribute to charitable causes, and to ensure these efforts reach those who genuinely need help,” said Liaw.

He said the club would channel its efforts through the Starfish Malaysia Foundation, which has built five hostels near schools in Kota Marudu, Sikuati, Kudat, and Pitas. 

The aim is to support students who would otherwise need to walk between four and twelve hours to attend school.

Two choir songs were performed by students staying at the hostels as an introduction to the foundation’s work during the dinner.

“The foundation provides accommodation, three meals a day, and tuition for just RM80 per month,” Liaw said.

 “For families who cannot afford this, students can offset the cost with home-grown fruits and vegetables,” he added.

Liaw has been involved with the foundation for nearly eight years. 

He has seen the students improve not only academically but also in their daily living conditions.

“It has brought me great comfort and joy. There are many such organisations like Starfish here in Kota Kinabalu.

“I hope this platform will raise more awareness and encourage others to get involved,” he said.

He said children and women remain among the most vulnerable groups in society and need continued attention and support.

The Starfish Malaysia Foundation was founded in 2014 by retired businessman Jimmy Lei from Sarawak. 

During a trip to northern Sabah, Lei saw schoolchildren walking for hours in the rain to get home due to the distance between their homes and schools.

Disturbed by the sight, he pledged to help. He sold his business in Australia and used the proceeds to fund the first hostel at Kampung Talantang in Kota Marudu.