IN a show of support for their alma mater, the olds boys of St John’s Institution have raised funds in excess of RM51,000 to pay the school’s utility bills.

St John’s Alumni Association president Isham Ishak said the funds would be disbursed to the Board of Governors next week to make the first installment payment, which is due on August 31 to Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB).

“We take great honour and pride over the outpouring of support and contributions by Johannians from around the world,” Isham said in a statement today.

Power supply to the school was cut on Monday but restored the same day after the school agreed to make a minimum payment of RM50,000 by the end of the week.

Failure to do so would have meant a blackout when school reopens next Monday.

The old boys launched an aggressive donation drive earlier this week, appealing to former students to donate funds to help pay the bill totalling RM245,348.

Following appeals, TNB agreed to waive RM55,000 in interest fees.

“What we have stood up is a clear display of courage and mantra that we have kept in our hearts and as our rally call,” said Isham.

He had said that the school’s power supply problems began 10 years ago. – August 24, 2018.