Vanakam,

Sir,

I’m Ananthi , a secondary school teacher from SMK Hwa Lian, Mentakab, Pahang. Starting from this I
took over the Silamban Club in my school. For your information, this club was introduced to our students
in 2013. In the begining, there were at least 50 students who joined this club. But from last year and this
year it has decreased to only 15 students. The main obstacle for the students from joining this club is the
payments that need to be paid to the instructor. We have a qualified trainer who comes from Raub every
week. The students need to pay RM25.00 each month. As most of the students are from poor
socioeconomic background, it becomes difficult for them to join as this a burden for their family.

As a teacher I would like to know whether:

a. Is there any allocations given to improve and encourage students to join Silamban ?
b. Is there any volunteers who can come to teach Silamban in my school?
c. Is there any competitions held for secondary school students to compete?

For your information, this club will be dissolved if the number of students decreases again next year. It is
our utmost concern as this is a platform for our students to learn our Indian culture through this art in
defense. Even though there are trainers around Mentakab but mostly are not trained and payments
need to be paid for them to teach. It my outmost concern that you will take my plea and questions into
consideration and reply ASAP.

Thank you,

R. Ananthi
Silamban Club adviser
SMK Hwa Lian
Mentakab
Pahang Darul Makmur.