Among them are four young siblings – brothers Muhammad Hadrami and Muhammad Harraz, and sisters Husna Humaira and Hannan Humaira – who lost their parents, Hasil Tahal and Ida Haryanie Abdul Razak, on Aug 11 and Oct 7, 2021.
At the time, then prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob reached out to the siblings and committed to supporting them, especially in their education.
His commitment to helping children orphaned by the pandemic, especially those from low-income families, saw the establishment of the Keluarga Malaysia Foundation (YKM) on Oct 23, 2021.
The foundation’s scope has now been expanded to include children who have lost both parents due to other causes, including road accidents and natural disasters.
YKM currently cares for some 6,000 orphans. The foundation offers them annual cash aid and one-time educational assistance until they turn 18 or complete their higher education and become self-reliant.
“(Their) finances are a major concern because some of these orphans are cared for by their grandparents and other relatives who may not be earning much. YKM helps to reduce their burden,” said Ismail in an interview with FMT recently.
The YKM chairman also shared plans to provide technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes for these groups in collaboration with various agencies such as the Human Resource Development Corporation.
To ensure the foundation’s sustainability, YKM, a non-profit organisation, has embarked on various initiatives to boost its operational funds, including by organising the Keluarga Malaysia Run on Sept 29 at Persiaran Flora, Cyberjaya.
The event, which boasts former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin as its ambassador, consists of three runs: a 5km fun run, a 10km race, and a 21km half marathon.
Each race is divided into four categories: men, women, veteran men, and veteran women. Some 3,000 people are expected to participate.
In addition to prizes ranging from RM200 to RM800 for the 10km and 21km runs, the organisers will also hold a lucky draw, with the grand prize being a car donated by Perodua.
“I invite everyone to participate in this run to ensure that these orphans are cared for,” said Ismail.
Registration and other information about the Keluarga Malaysia Run can be found at here.