KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 19): GLC Demi Rakyat dan Negara (GDRN) has launched a large-scale flood recovery mission in Sarawak, providing essential aid to communities affected by recent flash floods.

The initiative, a collaboration of government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs), has mobilised RM1.3 million worth of aid, distributing 5,000 ‘GDRN Bantu Family’ kits containing electrical appliances, mattresses, towels, and sarongs.

“These relief packages are being delivered to key areas, with 2,500 kits allocated for Bintulu, 1,500 for Miri, and 1,000 for Kuching, benefitting over 20,000 individuals undergoing post-flood recovery phase.

“On Feb 15, a flag-off ceremony was held at iSecure MASkargo in Sepang, Selangor, marking the official launch of the mission,” said GDRN in a statement.

It added: “The event underscored the importance of collaboration between stakeholders, and it was attended by representatives from 14 contributing organisations including CIMB Foundation, Khazanah Nasional, Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (KWAP), Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), Malaysia Airports, MASkargo, MASkargo Logistics, Maybank Group, Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), Yayasan Hasanah, Yayasan Petronas, Yayasan Sime Darby, Yayasan TM, and Yayasan UEM.”

At the Feb 15 event, the host’s representative MASkargo’s head of operations Zulkefly Ujang welcomed the delegation.

“This event reaffirms MASkargo’s commitment to providing dedicated freighter services for disaster relief,” he remarmed.

Yayasan Hasanah trustee and managing director Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki, in her speech, emphasised the deeper significance of the initiative.

“Behind every aid package is a family trying to rebuild, a child hoping to return to school, and a community striving to regain normalcy.

“The collective compassion and action make the biggest difference in times of hardship.”

Meanwhile, Yayasan TM director Ainol Shaharina Sahar acknowledged the contributions of all GDRN members, and also highlighted the importance of uplifting communities in need.

“Yayasan Hasanah and Yayasan TM, as co-secretariats of the initiative, work closely with ‘Red A Humanitarian Development Global’ in coordinating the mission.”

Malaysia Airports facilitated logistics at both Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Kuching International Airport, ensuring smooth cargo operations, while MASkargo provided freight and logistics support for the timely delivery of aid.

The initiative also highlighted the strong partnerships with government agencies, including the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), and Civil Defence Force (APM).

In his remarks, Nadma deputy director-general Hussain Moh reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting disaster relief efforts.

Meanwhile, GDRN said the mission was part of a broader Northeast Monsoon Relief Initiative, in which the GLCs and GLICs had collectively contributed RM24 million toward post-monsoon recovery efforts across Malaysia.