MEMBAKUT: A total of 570 boxes of basic aid packages through the Sentuhan Kasih Disaster Relief program have been distributed in Sabah to those affected by the recent flood disaster here.
Sabah Community Development and People’s Welfare Minister, Datuk James Ratib said, of that number, 100 boxes have already been sent to Paitan District, while 200 boxes will be sent to Kota Marudu and 200 boxes to Pitas on Sunday and Monday.
“For the record, Yayasan PETRONAS in collaboration with the Sabah General Welfare Services Department has been implementing the Sentuhan Kasih Disaster Relief program to ease the burden of flood victims affected throughout Malaysia through the distribution of basic aid packages.
“The aid package items consist of daily necessities such as mineral water, blankets, bath towels, biscuits, bath cream, toothpaste and toothbrushes,” he said.
James, who is also the Sugut assemblyman, said this while officiating the 2023 Chinese New Year Touch of Love Program held at the Membakut Leader Kg Vision Council on Saturday.
Earlier, he also had the opportunity to visit a house in Kg Tomoi Membakut for the Homeward Program.
“The Homeward Program is a Sabah Maju Jaya Flagship for the year 2021 under the Ministry of Community Development and People’s Welfare through the Sabah General Welfare Services Department (JPKA) in collaboration with the PETRONAS Foundation.
“The concept of this program is to loan basic hospital equipment to patients who are bedridden at home, the elderly and the disabled from the B40 group.
“Apart from adjustable beds, there are also necessities such as wheelchairs and oxygen concentrators and others,” he said.
According to James, the program has been very well received and effective in encouraging community members to continue providing care to the elderly, disabled and homeless patients in a family environment.
“I understand that the PETRONAS Foundation has donated a total of 405 adjustable beds to the JPKA through the Homeward program since 2022.
“This program has been able to have a positive impact on the target group where as of today, a total of 181 cases of homeless patients have been helped compared to the initial target of 150 cases set for the implementation year of SMJ 2022,” he said.
James commended PETRONAS Foundation for donating food baskets to 100 selected recipients around the Membakut district through the Chinese New Year Touch Sentuhan Kasih Program, and also to the Sabah State General Welfare Services Department for the department’s cooperation.
“With the provision of basic food aid, this can to some extent help the preparation of the celebration in a more lively and cheerful atmosphere.
“Hopefully this Chinese New Year’s Sentuhan Kasih donation can bring joy to the recipients especially during this festive season.
