Kota Bharu, 12 January 2022 – Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) contributed close to RM2 million in aid, in support of flood victims in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Johor as well as those whose homes were destroyed following the recent unusual high tide phenomenon in Sandakan, Sabah.

In this coordinated and streamlined humanitarian response to flood crisis, together with Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM), Sime Darby Plantation Berhad, Sime Darby Industrial Sdn Bhd (SDISB), and YSD’s project partner, Sabah AIDS Awareness Group Association (SAGA), YSD aims to assist the community and its employees affected by the floods during the recent monsoon floods season.

YSD commenced the flood relief mission in December 2022 with Sime Darby Plantation Mentakab Estate to equip on-ground personnel with rescue boats to mobilise immediate flood aid and relief assistance to over 300 families in 3 villages in Mentakab.

Working closely with JKM, YSD’s collaboration with Sime Darby Plantation Berhad and SDISB continued in Terengganu, Kelantan, and Johor to distribute flood relief assistance made up of hygiene kits, dry food items, and pillows to more than 12,000 affected families in Pengkalan Chepa, Tumpat, Dungun, Marang, Kluang, Muar, and Yong Peng. Another 12,000 relief items comprising blankets, sarongs and dry food items were handed over to JKM of the three states for further distribution in the remaining areas and in preparation for an anticipated flood wave due to the northeast monsoon.

A few weeks since the floods left a devastating trail of destruction in stricken states of Malaysia, YSD had returned to Kelantan and Terengganu to extend back-to-school assistance to 1,997 affected school children from 17 schools including three in Tumpat, SK Bendang Pa’yong, SMU(A) Nurul Huda and SK Teluk Jering.

The distribution and handover of assistance took place early this year at the three schools with the presence of JKM Negeri Kelantan’s Director Tn. Said Bin Sidup; and YSD’s Head of Projects, Ms Muzdalifah Mohd Nasir, together with YSD Huluran Kasih employee volunteers from SDISB. YSD Back-to School assistance later continued in Besut and Jerteh with support from JKM Terengganu. Amongst the items distributed were school bags, stationary sets, and cash vouchers worth RM300,000 to help provide relief for both parents and school children as they recover from this episode of natural calamity.

YSD Chief Executive Officer, Dr Hjh Yatela Zainal Abidin said the Foundation was committed to provide support towards families who were left without homes and basic necessities during the floods.

“We are humbled to be part of this crucial endeavour with JKM and community leaders. Seeing the flooded schools and the willpower of JKM social workers and volunteers from the Sime Darby companies to ensure delivery of the aid to the remote villages has encouraged us to provide the children affected with long-term education assistance as schools begin reopening, whilst complementing JKM with basic necessities in aiding affected communities," she said.

YSD flood relief initiative serves as a strong testament to YSD’s commitment to assisting the impacted communities in line with the focus area of the Community & Health pillar, to increase the well-being of disadvantaged people and reduce the socio-economic disparities while enhancing the welfare of marginalised groups especially now more than ever as we face the climate-induced challenges. As post flood areas continue to need help, YSD will continue to assist, with plans for post-flood relief aid underway.