SANDAKAN, SABAH, 29 April 2026 – Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD), with the support of employee volunteers from Sime Industrial and SD Guthrie, has mobilised immediate disaster relief assistance to support 1,000 families affected by the recent fire at Kampung Bahagia, Sandakan.

From 26 to 28 April 2026, YSD collaborated with Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) Sabah and community leaders in Kampung Bahagia to deliver essential aid worth RM270,000, comprising mattresses, pillows and hygiene kits. Employee volunteers played a key role in packing and distributing relief items to eight (8) temporary evacuation centres (PPS), namely SK Kampung Gas, SK Kampung Bahagia, SMK Batu Sapi, SK Karamunting, PPR Batu Sapi, Gelanggang Futsal Sim-Sim, Dewan Serbaguna Warga Tua and Dewan Sibuga.

“When families suddenly lose everything overnight, the immediate priority is to restore stability and dignity; and in times like these, caring for one another matters more than ever. At Yayasan Sime Darby, we see it as our shared responsibility to stand with communities during their most vulnerable moments. We are working collaboratively to ensure essential support reaches those who are often unseen, as they find their footing again and begin to rebuild their lives,” said Dr. Hajah Yatela Zainal Abidin, Chief Executive Officer of YSD.

The fire, which broke out in the early hours of 19 April, destroyed over 1,000 homes and affected more than 9,000 individuals. While some families have been placed in PPS, many others have remained in the village, seeking shelter in temporary tents, resulting in sustained and critical demand for essential household items.

Puan Labia bt Atiun, 63, who is currently sheltering at Dewan Serbaguna Warga Tua, shared her experience:

“The fire spread so quickly that everything was lost in an instant. While I am very grateful to YSD for helping to ease our burden, I cannot help but worry about the future. I now need to look for a nearby rental home costing around RM600 to RM700 a month, which adds to the challenges we are facing.”

Meanwhile, En. Rozaizar Rozaine, 39, a fire victim and community leader in Kampung Bahagia, worked closely with YSD, employee volunteers and residents to coordinate the distribution of aid to 580 families on 27 April in an orderly manner, with organised queues and a coupon system in place. Reflecting the community’s resilience to rebuild.

He added, “I was born and raised in Kampung Bahagia, and our community is still in shock after the fire. Despite this, life goes on, people continue working and sending their children to school. We believe families will return because this is our home, and we hope for continued support to help our community rebuild together, not just through one-off aid.”

YSD carried out the distribution in coordination with Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM), which continues to manage operations across PPS and oversee the provision of assistance to affected communities.

The relief items distribution was carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development’s ongoing engagement at affected sites, including a visit by YB Minister Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri to assess current needs and coordinate further support.

YSD remains committed to supporting communities affected by disasters through timely and coordinated interventions