Melaka: Yayasan Keluarga Malaysia (YKM) will work with elected representatives across the country in an effort to obtain information to assist children who have lost their parents to COVID-19. YKM chairman Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said so far, only around 1,000 people had registered for the monthly Bantuan Kasih aid and that he hoped more would come forward to do so.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ismail Sabri expressed concern that many individuals are still unaware of how to register for the assistance provided by YKM, particularly children who have lost a parent due to COVID-19. He encouraged elected representatives in each constituency to provide information on eligible children. The registration for Bantuan Kasih aid remains open, offering a monthly contribution of RM200 for those aged 16 and below and RM250 for those aged 16 and above.

Earlier, the former prime minister presented the Festive Aid in conjunction with the Deepavali celebration to 16-year-old S. Mittra, who lost his father to COVID-19 in February 2022 and is now living with his uncle R. Murugappan in Taman Merlimau Utara. Also in attendance was Merlimau assemblyman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.

In addition to Mittra, Ismail Sabri mentioned that 10 Indian families nationwide would receive assistance for Deepavali, with contributions deposited into their bank accounts starting tomorrow. He also noted that, as of last September, YKM had distributed over RM3 million through Bantuan Kasih, Festive Aid, and Bantuan Menara Gading, with expectations to reach RM5 million by year-end.

Ismail Sabri emphasized YKM’s commitment to supporting children’s education, ensuring ongoing contributions until they complete their studies, underscoring the foundation’s dedication to the welfare and education of orphans and COVID-19-affected children.