Ipoh, 19 October 2019 – Yayasan PETRONAS, the CSR arm of PETRONAS, kicked off a series of activities in celebration of Deepavali, as part of its Sentuhan Kasih programme, which began on 15 October. 500 PETRONAS volunteers nationwide will be part of activities which will involve 500 beneficiaries from various charities, schools and homes across 7 states. 

Yayasan PETRONAS is working with several state agencies, along with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) until 24 October 2019 to distribute basic necessities, household items, hampers as well as new clothes to underprivileged families and orphans. Volunteers will also participate in bringing the kids for shopping spree to prepare for their Deepavali celebration. 

 “Our team believes in the spirit of sharing especially during festive occasions when these children need more love and attention – especially when they’re not able to celebrate at home with loved ones. We hope our presence makes a small difference in their lives, as much as the giving has made in ours,” said Puan Lita Osman, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan PETRONAS. 

In total, the foundation will distribute RM280,000 in cash and kind throughout the festive season. 

In Perak, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) volunteers today reached out to 141 beneficiaries from five schools namely Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tronoh, Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Tronoh, Sekolah Kebangsaan Tronoh, Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Chung Sun and Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil Tronoh. 

They received vouchers for the purchase of new clothes from UTP Vice Chancellor Professor Ts Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib. 

One of the volunteers, Ahmad Azam Alias, Executive Stakeholder Management, UTP said: “I appreciate being able to give my time and effort to the beneficiaries. It is such a humbling experience and it lifts your spirit when you see how much they appreciate what little we have to give. I am glad I am able to part of this, thanks to Yayasan PETRONAS.” 

The Sentuhan Kasih Yayasan PETRONAS programme is part of the Foundation’s Community Well-being and Development focus area, initiated to coincide with major celebrations in Malaysia. It provides an avenue for Yayasan PETRONAS to work with communities to provide for their basic needs and well-being.