KUCHING, April 28: Yayasan Petronas (YP) helped spread Hari Raya Aidilfitri cheer to 400 underprivileged families in Sibu and Sarikei through its ‘Memacu Kehidupan: Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2023’ programme.
In a press statement today, YP said the programme, formerly known as ‘Sentuhan Kasih’, is aimed at providing food assistance to those in need, with the hope of spreading joy and warmth to their homes.
Under the signature programme, YP distributed food items such as cooking oil, rice, sugar, flour, salt, sardines, tea, milo, and peanuts to the recipients via the Social Welfare Department (JKM) Sibu on April 14 in Sibu and on April 16 in Sarikei.
A recipient, 71-year-old Rafiah Drahman, lives in a tiny house at Kampung Barieng, Sibu, with her younger brother.
Rafiah suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure, and thyroid problems, and due to their old age, including health issues, she and her brother could not work while depending on the RM300 financial aid from the Social Welfare Department.
“It was not much, but it helped us to get by. I am so thankful for the contribution from Yayasan Petronas. It has helped to ease my burden in preparing for the Hari Raya celebration, which I celebrated in a moderate way,” she said.
Meanwhile, another recipient is 83-year-old Mordinah Semuni, who has been living alone in Kampung Barieng, Sibu, for many years, although her nephews and nieces live not far from her village.
Mordiah said she does not want to burden them as they have their own families to take care of.
“Occasionally, they would come and visit me. My neighbours are also very caring, they would check on me every day. They would bring food and ‘chit chat’ (talk) with me,” she said when met at her home recently.
According to Mordinah, she had seven brothers and sisters, but they all passed away.
“I am the only one left. So, I feel incredibly lonely,” she added.
Hearth-wrenching life stories like Mordinah and Rafiah’s, as well as the struggles faced by families that are living in poverty, spurred Yayasan Petronas, the Social Impact arm of Petronas, to make it its mission to reach out to this section of the society, especially during the festive seasons.
The food item distribution ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee at Dewan Kelab Melayu Kampung Nyabur, Dewan MUC Sibu, on April 15. — DayakDaily
