KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah hypermarket chain has donated RM1mil to Tabung Harapan Malaysia as a symbol of patriotism.

Servay Hypermarket made the donation, witnessed by Sandakan MP Stephen Wong, here on Tuesday (June 12).

Its chairman Datuk Seri Lai Kock Poh said he hopes their donation would start the ball rolling for other Sabahans to donate to the cause.

“We hope more people will come forward to help the country,” he said.

Wong, in expressing gratitude to the hypermarket, said he hopes the donation would encourage more people to contribute.

“We have had so many generous donors as seen from the updated amount in Tabung Harapan and this is an indication that Malaysians truly care for the country,” he said.

The amount in Tabung Harapan surpassed RM56mil as of Tuesday.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced the setting up of the fund on May 30 for Malaysians to contribute towards reducing the country’s debts.

Only donations in ringgit will be accepted.

Tabung Harapan contributions can be deposited into the Maybank account number 566010626452.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng had claimed the country’s debt was now RM1 trillion, higher than the figure announced by the previous administration.