MELAKA: PETRONAS, through its social impact arm, brings Christmas joy to 500 underprivileged families in the southern region through its Uplifting Lives Festive (ULF) initiative.
In collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, Yayasan PETRONAS has distributed essential and festive food items across Johor, Negri Sembilan, and Melaka since Dec 13.
The initiative benefitted 200 families in Johor, 150 in Negri Sembilan, and 150 in Melaka.
Each festive pack contained a range of essential food items, as well as special treats like cookies made by Memampankan Ekonomi Asas Rakyat (MEKAR) entrepreneurs.
MEKAR is a programme by Yayasan PETRONAS.
PETRONAS southern region general manager Mohd Zaki Mahat emphasised the significance of the initiative, saying, "We hope that our contributions provide relief to these families and allow them to celebrate Christmas with hope, warmth and happiness."
Key dignitaries attending events in the three states included Melaka exco member Datuk Kalsom Nordin, Negri Sembilan Tourism, Arts, and Culture Action Committee representative Ng Wai Yee, and Johor Social Welfare Department director N. Pathmanathan.
One of the recipients, 54-year-old Sebestian Murukaiyah from Melaka, expressed his gratitude.
"My wife and I have lost our source of income due to health issues. Thank you for the festive pack. We will use it to prepare meals during this festive season," said the father of three.
In Seremban, 70-year-old May Glory Lopez, who has lived with polio since childhood, also shared her appreciation.
"I'm very grateful for this contribution. My son has to commute daily to Kuala Lumpur and works tirelessly to support me. This gift means so much to us," she said.
Similarly, Milah Lasip, 55, who has a son with a severe heart condition and works as a cleaner at a church near her house in Batu Pahat, Johor was thankful.
This year, Yayasan PETRONAS successfully distributed a total of 11,850 festive food packages nationwide, with 2,050 of those shared with families in Johor, Negri Sembilan, and Melaka.
The ULF programme is part of Yayasan PETRONAS' broader focus on community well-being and development, reflecting the foundation's ongoing commitment to ensuring that key festive celebrations like Christmas are enjoyed by all.
