YKM brings festive cheer to Covid-19 affected families in Sabah
Yayasan Keluarga Malaysia chairman Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob presenting gifts to Arvina Chris Nolvi, one of YKM's recipients, during his recent visit.
KOTA KINABALU: When Arvina Chris Nolvi lost her husband to Covid-19 three years ago, she felt helpless as she had no fixed income and four school-going children to raise.
For the full-time housewife from Kampung Kilirip, Kinarut in Papar, it was not just the loss of a loved one.
Her husband, Henry Bisara, who passed away on February 15, 2022, had also been the family's sole breadwinner.
Help arrived through Yayasan Keluarga Malaysia (YKM), which has been supporting Nolvi and her children since Bisara's passing, bringing much-needed relief and hope.
The family had the opportunity to thank YKM chairman and former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob personally during his visit to their home on Friday (May 23).
He said the visit was part of YKM's Ziarah Kasih initiative held in conjunction with the Kaamatan (Harvest) Festival.
Ismail Sabri added that these visits have become a tradition for the foundation during major festive celebrations under the Keluarga Malaysia concept.
"YKM beneficiaries are found across the country, including Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan. During each festive season, the foundation organises Ziarah Kasih visits and distributes aid to ensure that every recipient can celebrate joyfully with their family.
"This visit also reaffirms YKM's commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that no family affected by Covid-19 is overlooked or left behind," he added.
Also present was the political secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister I and Papar Umno division chief, Datuk Jamal Norubit @ Nerubi.
Following the visit to Nolvi's home, the YKM team continued their outreach to another recipient, Husidah Ahali, in Kampung Pomotodon, Inanam.
Husidah lost her husband to Covid-19 and now supports her four children with only RM400 a month from selling traditional snacks.
The Ziarah Kasih programme concluded with a visit to Maslinah Abdul Manaf in Kampung Inanam Laut, who also lost her husband to Covid-19 on August 15, 2021.
Maslinah, an online entrepreneur, now depends on digital platforms and YKM's assistance to make ends meet.
In addition to these visits, YKM also extended festive aid to 14 Dayak recipients in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak celebration.
Ismail Sabri expressed hope that all parties, especially local communities in remote areas, would help spread the word about the assistance available for those impacted by Covid-19.
The public is encouraged to contact YKM via email at admin@yayasankeluargamalaysia.org.my or by calling 03-22027493.
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