GRS Women step up Ramadan aid for Sabah’s asnaf group

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 21): A total of 30 asnaf (those eligible to receive tithes) recipients received food basket assistance from the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Women’s Wing in conjunction with the Ramadan month.

The contributions were presented by GRS Women chief Datuk Seri Azizah Mohd Dun during a ceremony held at the Sabah Women’s Association Hall in Sembulan.

Azizah said Ramadan is not only a time for worship and reflection, but also an opportunity to strengthen the spirit of togetherness and solidarity within the community.

“We want to ensure that the asnaf group is not left behind, especially amid the increasingly challenging cost of living,” she said.

“This assistance may be small, but it carries great meaning for those who need it.”

She called upon private sector players, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government-linked companies (GLCs) to step forward in supporting underprivileged groups.

“Beyond financial contributions or goods, companies including GLCs are encouraged to enhance their continuous corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative so that charitable efforts become a sustained culture rather than a seasonal activity,” she emphasised.

Azizah noted that safeguarding the welfare of the less fortunate should not fall solely on one party, but requires coordinated and comprehensive support from all levels of society.

“The involvement of corporate entities and NGOs not only helps alleviate the hardship faced by the underprivileged but also eases the government’s responsibility in delivering aid,” she said.

During the event, Azizah also handed over 50 food baskets to GRS Women deputy treasurer Surinam Sadikun for distribution to recipients in the Beaufort parliamentary constituency.

An additional 50 baskets each were allocated for Sipitang, Kimanis and Putatan.

The Sabah Women’s Association received 100 baskets for further distribution.

Also present at the event were GRS Women secretary Salmah Sait and information chief Datin Belynda Buntot.