Petaling Jaya, 26 March 2025 – For many underprivileged families and children, festive seasons often amplify challenges in accessing basic needs. This Ramadan, Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) significantly bolstered its support for marginalised communities through the flagship Sinar Harapan Programme, bringing smiles and relief to over 9,960 individuals nationwide.
A key highlight of this year’s efforts was the Majlis Ihya’ Ramadan with YB Dato' Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM), which strengthened YSD’s longstanding partnership with the Ministry and the Department of Social Welfare (JKM). Food packs and money packets were distributed to 729 underprivileged individuals from 17 charitable homes.
Through strategic partnerships with government agencies and its donor companies Sime Darby Berhad, SD Guthrie Berhad, and Sime Darby Property Berhad, YSD extended its nationwide Ramadan assistance, including:
- An iftar celebration in Parit Sulong, Johor with YB Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, Deputy Minister of KPWKM, while providing essential food packs to asnaf families from 73 villages.
- The distribution of bubur lambuk in Johor, Perak, and Kedah nourished nearly 4,000 villagers, supported by YSD Huluran Kasih volunteers from SD Guthrie’s Southern and Northern Regions.
- In Kuala Lumpur, food, hygiene kits, and money packets were provided to 40 children in care from Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim dan Asnaf Baitun Nurrawdah in a joint effort with Sime UMW, while Sime Darby Rent-A-Car facilitated the distribution of food packs to another 160 individuals from two homes, Rumah Kasih Harmoni Paya Jaras and Persatuan Kebajikan Rumah Anak-Anak Yatim Damai Kuang.
- Food packs delivered by 54 Huluran Kasih volunteers from Sime Darby Property reached 1,322 B40 families across 10 townships.
Since its inception in 2014, the Sinar Harapan Programme has provided RM8 million in support to over 122,000 individuals through various festive aid initiatives and providing long-term healthcare assistance to rural communities as part of its year-round commitment to fostering resilience and supporting those most in need.
Reflecting on this year’s impact, Dr Yatela Zainal Abidin, Chief Executive Officer of YSD, stated,
“Sinar Harapan represents everything YSD stands for — a deep commitment to improving the lives of underprivileged communities across Malaysia. Each year, our efforts grow stronger, and we hope for positive changes in the lives of the 122,039 people we’ve reached. This Ramadhan, our nationwide initiatives continue to reflect our values of compassion with action, ensuring that our support reaches those who need it the most.”
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