| Funds channeled to seven NGOs aim to support over 12,860 individuals and 1,010 families, with more aid on standby as monsoon rains intensify |
Tuesday, 3 December 2024 – Khazanah Nasional Berhad, through its foundation Yayasan Hasanah (“Hasanah”), is urgently deploying over RM822,607 to provide humanitarian aid to communities affected by the ongoing monsoon floods in Malaysia. As the social impact arm of Khazanah, Hasanah has been at the forefront of disaster relief efforts, ensuring rapid response and assistance since the flooding began in early November 2024.
To date, the funds are being distributed to seven humanitarian response agencies, aiming to benefit over 12,860 individuals and 1,010 families in flood-stricken areas. With the situation evolving, Hasanah is preparing to channel additional resources to meet the immediate needs of affected communities nationwide.
In a statement, Hasanah reaffirms its commitment to alleviating the suffering of those affected: “We remain steadfast in our mission to provide critical relief to families and individuals grappling with the devastating impacts of the monsoon floods. Our efforts are directed toward ensuring immediate, meaningful support, and we continue to stand in solidarity with the communities we serve.”
Meanwhile, reports from the ground highlight several urgent needs for flood-affected communities. Among the most critical are drinking water and food supplies, including ready-to-eat (RTE) and ready-to-cook (RTC) meals, to sustain evacuees and those stranded in their homes. Hygiene kits and medical support are also essential, where health risks are heightened due to prolonged exposure to floodwaters. The needs of vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and those who are ill, require special attention. Items like blankets, warm clothing, and medical assistance are urgently needed for these individuals, who face greater difficulties during the floods. For families with young children, items such as diapers and baby formula are in high demand, alongside comfort items like blankets, towels, mattresses, and complete comfort kits. Additionally, generators are urgently needed to restore power in areas where electricity is unavailable.
To date, Yayasan Hasanah has channeled assistance through 7 NGO partners: HARAP Kuantan, HARAP Pekan & Rompin, Iltizam Relief Society, IMAM Response & Relief Team (IMARET), Pertubuhan Himpunan Lepasan Institusi Pendidikan Malaysia (HALUAN), Pertubuhan Gabungan Bantuan Bencana NGO Malaysia (BBNGO), and Pertubuhan Gerakan Prihatin Kuala Krai; each distributing aid at the following locations:
- HARAP Kuantan, Pahang
- Location: Kuantan, Pahang
- Aid: Stockpiling food and mobilising volunteers at flood evacuation centers (PPS).
- HARAP Kuantan (Pekan and Rompin)
- Location: Rural Orang Asli villages in Pahang.
- Aid: Stockpiling food for immediate relief.
- Iltizam Relief Society
- Location: Tumpat, Kelantan.
- Aid: Ready-to-eat (RTE) meals, ready-to-cook (RTC) kits, drinking water, and other essentials.
- IMAM Response & Relief Team (IMARET)
- Locations: Kelantan and Terengganu (Kuala Krai, Pasir Mas, Besut).
- Aid: Medical support, mobile medical teams, hygiene kits, and psychological first aid (PFA).
- Pertubuhan Himpunan Lepasan Institusi Pendidikan Malaysia (HALUAN)
- Location: Pasir Mas, Kelantan.
- Aid: Ready-to-eat meals and hygiene kits.
- Pertubuhan Gabungan Bantuan Bencana NGO Malaysia (BBNGO)
- Locations: Pasir Mas, Rantau Panjang, Pasir Puteh, Tumpat.
- Aid: Food, water, and hygiene kits for children and adults.
- Pertubuhan Gerakan Prihatin Kuala Krai
- Location: Kuala Krai, Kelantan.
- Aid: Food assistance for stranded individuals.
This funding is also part of Yayasan Hasanah’s contribution to the GLC & GLIC Demi Rakyat & Negara (GDRN) coalition, a collective initiative among government-linked companies (GLCs) and investment companies (GLICs) aimed at nation-building, with one of its key areas focusing on humanitarian aid.
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s flood preparedness, Yayasan Hasanah, in partnership with GDRN, has been actively contributing towards the Anticipatory Action Plan. This plan aims to improve risk analysis, resource pre-positioning, and community resilience. By collaborating with key agencies such as NADMA, METMalaysia, and MATCH Foundation, the plan integrates data-driven early warning systems, pre-positioned relief supplies, and localised response mechanisms to protect vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure. This proactive approach ensures timely action, minimises flood impacts, and fosters sustainable recovery for affected communities.
Looking ahead, Yayasan Hasanah anticipates the upcoming flood season will span the next few months, divided into several waves. The recovery phase will require collective efforts to help communities rebuild their lives.
“In a show of solidarity, Temasek Foundation has pledged SGD50,000 to bolster Hasanah’s ongoing humanitarian efforts. This generous support will significantly expand the reach of aid, bringing relief to even more affected communities. Hasanah extends its heartfelt gratitude for this invaluable contribution.
Based on radar imagery from MET Malaysia, heavy rainfall is currently concentrated in Kelantan and Terengganu. A potential monsoon surge from 6 to 9 December 2024 is expected to bring additional rainfall, heightening the risk of further flooding in the eastern regions of Peninsular Malaysia.
As an impact-driven foundation of Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Yayasan Hasanah welcomes collaboration with philanthropic organisations, government agencies, and private corporations to provide aid to flood-affected communities. “Every effort counts in easing the burdens faced by these communities,” Hasanah stated. Organisations interested in applying for funding to support disaster relief efforts in affected areas are encouraged to email Yayasan Hasanah at [email protected].