24-05-2025
YKM gives aid to Covid-affected families in Sabah
Ismail (second left) speaking to Arvina Chris Nolvi at Kampung Kilirip Kinarut, Papar.
KOTA KINABALU (May 24): The Kaamatan Festival, or Harvest Festival, is an important celebration held annually by the Kadazan Dusun, Murut, and Rungus communities in Sabah.
In conjunction with this, Yayasan Keluarga Malaysia (YKM) visited the Land Below the Wind to extend aid to families celebrating the festival.
One of the YKM aid recipients celebrating Kaamatan is Arvina Chris Nolvi from Kampung Kilirip Kinarut, Papar, along with her four school-going children.
Arvina, who has no fixed income, lost her husband, Henry Anak Bisara, to Covid-19 on 15 February 2022. The homemaker relies solely on YKM's monthly assistance to support her dependent children.
YKM chairman Dato' Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who visited the family on Friday, stated that this is a practice and tradition upheld by YKM during every major festive season celebrated by Malaysian families, including those in East Malaysia.
'YKM recipients are spread across the country, including Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan. During every major festive season, YKM conducts goodwill visits and provides contributions to ensure that all recipients can celebrate joyfully with their families.
'Today's visit also demonstrates YKM's ongoing inclusive commitment, ensuring no family affected by Covid-19 is left behind in receiving aid,' he added.
Also present were the Political Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister I and Umno Papar Division chief, Datuk Jamal Norubit @ Nerubi.
The delegation also visited Husidah Ahali in Kampung Pomotodon Inanam, Kota Kinabalu, another YKM aid recipient.
Husidah, who lost her husband to Covid-19, supports her four children with a monthly income of RM400 from selling traditional cakes.
The visit concluded with a trip to Maslinah Abdul Manaf's home in Kampung Inanam Laut, Kota Kinabalu, who also lost her husband to Covid-19 on 15 August 2021.
Maslinah, an online trader, relies on her business and YKM's aid to sustain her daily life.
Additionally, YKM distributed festive aid to 14 Dayak recipients in conjunction with Gawai.
The YKM chairman urged the public, especially local communities in rural areas, to help disseminate information about this aid to those affected by Covid-19.
For inquiries, contact YKM via email at [email protected] or call 03-22027493.
