Five foundations uplift Johor communities
Come rain or shine, His Majesty always stands by Malaysians, not only by providing aid but also by being physically present to offer moral support during difficult times.
Beyond lending support during disasters, His Majesty and the rest of the Johor royal family have also established five charitable foundations dedicated to serving the people, namely the Sultanah Rogayah Foundation (YSR), Sultanah Fatimah Foundation (YSF), Sultan Ibrahim Johor Foundation (YSIJ), Raja Zarith Sofiah of Johor Foundation (YRZSJ) and Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation (TLJCF).
Each foundation focuses on different segments of society in Johor but all share the same goal – to uplift and support the community.
The YSR focuses on uplifting the Indian community through initiatives in education, welfare and entrepreneurship, while the YSF primarily supports the Chinese community, with emphasis on education and financial aid.
The YSIJ supports a wide range of charitable initiatives, including disaster relief, education, housing and healthcare.
The YRZSJ concentrates on educational programmes, while the TLJCF is devoted to providing medical aid and support for cancer patients.
Although these foundations primarily serve the people of Johor, His Majesty has also extended assistance to other states in his capacity as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Datuk Avinderjit Singh, YSIJ managing trustee, stated that their assistance extended beyond Johor, including 87,814 cubic tents delivered to state disaster committees nationwide.
'At the moment, we continue to focus on efforts to extend donations to Johoreans, as that is the main vision and mission behind the foundation.
'However, His Majesty has also channelled aid to other states since assuming the role of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
'This includes providing thousands of tents to flood-hit states, distributing over 1,428 food baskets to families in Melaka and donating laptops to students in Labuan,' he said.
He noted that in 2024 alone, the foundation channelled allocations worth about RM4.2mil, including RM1.5mil in cash.
'The allocations cover various initiatives, including those focusing on education, housing, health and disaster relief.
'His Majesty is also a very hands-on Ruler who ensures that the allocation reaches the right people,' he said, adding that His Majesty has a big heart.
Echoing this sentiment is YSIJ chief executive officer Mohd Anizam Jamian, who is also the founding chief executive officer of the TLJCF.
'Sultan Ibrahim's generosity is beyond what one could imagine. His Majesty is willing to go above and beyond to ensure his subjects are well taken care of.
'His Majesty always keeps a close eye on things happening on the ground and is often the first to extend a helping hand.
'Over the years I have served under the royal foundations, I have seen and felt His Majesty's and the royal family's sincerity,' he said.
Meanwhile, YSR chairman Datuk R. Sugumaran said the establishment of the foundations is a testimony to His Majesty's love and compassion for the people.
'Being the kind-hearted Ruler that he is, His Majesty established five foundations in Johor to eradicate poverty and improve the people's quality of life.
'Sultan Ibrahim wants his people to live a dignified life, with no one left below the poverty line.
'His Majesty is also firm when it is necessary. His Majesty is a leader who wants to see his people succeed,' he said.
Sugumaran, a former police officer and Sultan Ibrahim's former aide-de-camp, said the YSR is deeply committed to improving the lives of the Indian community.
'We focus on three key areas, namely education, welfare and entrepreneurship. We study each case thoroughly to ensure that aid reaches the right hands,' he said.
He added that the foundation also places special emphasis on women's empowerment, students, the poor and individuals with special needs.
'Among the assistance we have provided are payments for tuition fees for underprivileged students, coverage of utility bills for those in need, subsidies for operation costs, and the provision of prosthetic limbs and other essential items from time to time.
'We also assist entrepreneurs who face challenges in starting their businesses,' he said, adding that the foundation continuously reviews its initiatives to stay relevant.
YSF chairman Mejar Cina Datuk David Wong Khong Soon said that while the foundation primarily focuses on the Chinese community, they are committed to assisting individuals of all races.
'For now, our focus remains on serving those in Johor, but if the need arises, we are ready to assist on a national level.
'The YSF has gone across all districts in Johor several times, so we are well prepared to expand our reach nationwide whenever and wherever help is needed,' he said.
He added that among the initiatives carried out last year were the allocation of RM1.5mil in financial aid to 3,000 Chinese high school students, and the awarding of bursaries worth RM1mil to 500 students of Southern University College.
'This year, we will again be providing RM1.5mil in financial aid to 3,000 Chinese high school students statewide, and RM1mil in bursaries to students at Southern University College.
'We will also renovate teachers' offices in 10 Chinese high schools with a total allocation of RM50,000,' he added.
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