Kota Bharu, 18 February 2025 – Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) continues its annual nationwide back-to-school support, this year reaching over 7,000 students across nine states, including 1,247 severely affected by the late 2024 floods in Kelantan.

The YSD REACH Back-to-School Programme in 2025, which started earlier in Sabah, Sarawak and Pahang, has now been extended to Kelantan, benefitting students from SK Meranti, SK Gelang Mas, and SK Tok Sangkut in Pasir Mas. The programme will also benefit students in Kedah, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Johor.

In collaboration with the Kelantan Social Welfare Department and bolstered by the GDRN Bantu fund, this back-to-school assistance in Kelantan is part of YSD’s broader initiative to ensure that children from flood-affected households are equipped with the necessary school supplies for the new academic year.

During the distribution event at SK Meranti, Puan Sri Normah Hashim, YSD Governing Council Member, remarked, “Starting a new academic year can be challenging for a lot of parents, especially those recovering from natural disasters. Through this educational support, we aim to assist in recovery and ensure that education continues uninterrupted, so that no child is left behind in receiving education due to circumstances beyond their control.”

The initiative at SK Meranti facilitated the distribution of RM259,207 worth of school supplies, reflecting YSD’s commitment to aiding communities still facing the aftermath of last year’s floods.

Throughout the country, YSD’s back to school assistance reached 7,261 students across 52 schools, with a total investment of nearly RM1.2 million this year to improve access to education for communities on the margin. The initiative received support from all 3 YSD donor companies Sime Darby Berhad, SD Guthrie Berhad, and Sime Darby Property Berhad.

YSD’s partnership with the Kelantan Social Welfare Department has facilitated efficient resource mobilisation and strategic coordination in the state, with support from Sime Industrial Kota Bharu employee volunteers.

Tuan Md Yani Mat Zin, Director of the Kelantan Social Welfare Department, said, “ We are thankful for the continuous support from YSD and Sime Industrial, which ensures that affected children can return to school with the supplies they need. YSD has been a strong partner in Kelantan’s recovery efforts, and we are grateful for their continued commitment to supporting our communities.”

Since 2022, YSD’s collaboration with the Kelantan Social Welfare Department, and with matching grant support from the Ministry of Finance - GLC Demi Rakyat dan Negara (GDRN) Bantu Relief Fund, has provided extensive support including hygiene kits and emergency aid, contributing over RM1.3 million towards disaster relief efforts in the state.

Besides disaster relief, YSD’s ongoing projects in Kelantan span education, community development, environmental conservation, and fostering resilience while providing opportunities for local communities.