KUCHING, Jan 31: Yayasan Petronas is collaborating with the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKM) to distribute essential food supplies and personal hygiene packages to 200 low-income families in Kuching and Sibu as part of its Sentuhan Kasih festive programme.
Yayasan Petronas in a statement today said the contributions were distributed to 100 deserving families in Kuching on Jan 27 while another 100 families in Sibu will received the contribution soon.
Among the aid recipients this year was Kong Gah Siong, 69, who has had schizophrenia for over 30 years.
According to Kong’s brother, Fabian, 64, his brother has been living alone for more than 20 years after his divorce.
“He used to celebrate Chinese New Year with my family. But he has stop celebrating with us in the past two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“So, we are very thankful to Yayasan Petronas for this contribution. It will enable him to have a more meaningful celebration at his home this year,” he said.
Another recipient Jong Nor Lee, 71, also expressed his gratitude to Yayasan Petronas for helping to ease his financial burden in preparing for the Chinese New Year celebration.
“Without this aid, it would be difficult for us because we are not rich. My wife has brain cancer. We are living from hand-to-mouth. We are totally dependent on our eldest daughter to take care of our daily needs,” he said.
Jong added he used to sell drinks at the India Street market. However, he had to quit his job due to old age and relies solely on the monthly financial assistance from JKM.
The Sentuhan Kasih programme is part of Yayasan Petronas’ community well-being and development focus area.
Each year, in conjunction with major celebrations in Malaysia, Yayasan Petronas extends necessities aimed at improving the communities’ well-being and fostering a memorable celebration for the less fortunate during the festive seasons.
This year, Yayasan Petronas distributed RM355,400 to 1,460 low-income families through JKM, and beneficiaries at nine orphanages across all 13 states and two Federal Territories. — DayakDaily
