A total of 250 underprivileged families have received food packages from Yayasan Petronas (YP) under its ‘Sentuhan Kasih’ programme in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration.

According to a statement, a ceremony at Majma Mall here on Saturday saw some 150 families each presented with a package of essential food items such as rice, cooking oil, sugar, flour, and canned sardines.

Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian was present to officiate the event.

Another 100 families had earlier each received similar food packages from YP through the state Welfare Department, added the statement.

Petronas Sarawak general manager Zulaihi Mantali in the statement said a total of 2,000 families throughout Malaysia were presented food packages during the Chinese New Year festive period, including the 250 families from Sarawak.

“The objective of our Sentuhan Kasih programme is to contribute staple food items or necessities to families who need a little extra support and care, in hopes that we can spread joy and warmth to their homes during this special occasion,” he said.

Each year, YP reaches out to the underprivileged communities through its Sentuhan Kasih programme which distributes food packages during major festive celebrations in Malaysia.

Among those present during the Saturday’s event were Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development permanent secretary Noriah Ahmad, Welfare Department director Adana Jed, Kuching Resident Fathi Hambali, and Kuching Division Social Welfare officer Norhayati Abdul Rahman.