Kota Kinabalu: Nearly 25,000 recipients, including asnaf groups, persons with disabilities (OKU), single mothers, orphans and B40 households, will receive cash aid and food baskets in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri as part of Jelajah Iftar 2025, an initiative by Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad (KTC).
KTC’s Executive Director, Datuk Dexter Lau, said the initiative continues last year’s Jelajah Iftar, Kongsi Rezeki programme to support underprivileged communities.
“This year, we are continuing the effort so those who benefited last year can see our commitment. “Jelajah Iftar 2025 is being carried out in collaboration with the Community Leaders Development Unit (UPPM) of Sabah,” he said during the program’s launching press conference.
The initiative will cover 25 locations across Sabah, starting in Kudat on March 4 and concluding in Papar on March 26.
Additionally, 850 children will be treated to a “Shopping Raya” experience, where they will be taken shopping for new Raya clothes. This programme will start in Kudat on March 4 and end in Tawau on March 25.
“More than just providing aid, we aim to bring joy to children and ease the financial burden on parents or guardians during Hari Raya.“I personally encourage more businesses, private companies, and individuals to contribute to this effort because we live in a community where we must be aware of and share with those less fortunate,” Lau said.
Beyond aid distribution, the Jelajah Iftar 2025 tour will also include job opportunity sharing sessions, offering employment prospects at KTC to local youths.
“We will introduce our company and the available job openings during the tour, as we believe some young locals attending the event may be interested in finding employment. “We welcome those seeking full-time or temporary jobs to gain experience, as this effort also contributes to the economic growth of the state and its people,” Lau said.
Meanwhile, Sabah UPPM Director Datuk Awang Kadin Tang commended KTC’s dedication to social responsibility, highlighting that the programme is fully funded by KTC without government allocations.
“The programme is for all recipients, and at UPPM, we serve the people of Sabah regardless of political affiliations.“We invite all State assembly representatives (YBs) across Sabah, whether from the government or the opposition, to participate, as this initiative is for the people.
However, it is ultimately their choice whether to support it,” Awang Kadin said.
This year, the iftar gatherings will be held in multipurpose halls in all 25 parliamentary constituencies, allowing larger community participation.
“We hope for smooth execution as this program is meant for the welfare of the people,” he added.