Sime Darby Contributes To Flood Victims On The East Coast

That saying is especially true for the thousands of Malaysians in some parts of the country who have had to flee the comfort of their homes in recent weeks with just the clothes on their backs due to floods, especially on the east coast.

The flood victims have been camping for days at flood relief centres, waiting patiently for the flood waters to recede and fully aware of the grim situation that awaits them when they eventually get home.
Malaysians of all walks of life have been rallying to their cause, doing their bit in every way possible within their means. 

Sime Darby Berhad has allocated half a million ringgit for the purchase of essential supplies and emergency relief work. The efforts started two weeks ago with assistance being rendered to flood victims in Kemaman, Terengganu and Kuantan, Pahang. 

Efforts are still ongoing with employees from all divisions in the country, as far as Pasir Gudang in Johor and Malacca, including those from the estates who came all the way to the Sime Darby coordination centre in Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, to help with the packing of goods.

With its Group Corporate Responsibility team spearheading a group wide initiative to help those affected by the floods, more than 240 volunteers stayed back after normal working hours to help pack the items which will be transported and distributed by several teams at the affected areas in Pahang this weekend.

The effort brought together its business divisions, employees and their families, supply chain business associates and Corporate Responsibility programme partners.

The essential supplies include 1,000 packets of dried food items like flour, salt, sugar, biscuits and beverages and 5,000 packs of hygiene kits containing shower gel, towels, detergent, sanitary pads and infant formula. Other items distributed include diapers, mineral water and rice.

“Natural disasters which are perennial like floods are terrifying for those who are affected, especially the feeling of being helpless and having no control over what happens. Sime Darby employees are also affected by the floods and as a company, we are not only helping our own but reaching out to others who need assistance. Malaysians are a caring lot and it is at times like these that the entire nation comes together to alleviate the sufferings of those afflicted.”

“Our hearts and thoughts are with them, and we hope that the assistance given by Sime Darby, in some way, will help to tide them over while they are trying to get some normalcy back into their lives,” said Sime Darby President & Group Chief Executive, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohd Bakke Salleh.

The Sime Darby Group Corporate Responsibility team will also mobilise employees to help out with follow up efforts especially during the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase once the flood waters have receded.