KOTA KINABALU: Embracing the spirit of compassion and togetherness ahead of Hari Raya, employees of Hibiscus Malaysia recently carried out a meaningful corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative to brighten the festive season for underprivileged children.
This year’s programme saw volunteers from the oil and gas company accompanying children from four charity homes as they selected their own baju Raya and baju kurung—ensuring each child would be able to celebrate the festivities with new, beautiful attire they personally chose.
Held on March 7 at the Emadira textile shop here, the event brought together 15 Hibiscus Malaysia staff, led by Operated Asset Sabah Head Ahmad Fazmee Baharuden, along with 99 children from Rumah Anak Yatim Darul Bakti Kota Belud, Rumah Home Tuaran, Rumah Putera Harapan Ranau and Rumah Anak Yatim As-Sakinah, Papar.
The initiative was made possible through contributions from the company’s staff under the Wakalah Zakat fund.
Volunteers took an active role in helping the children find outfits that suited their tastes and personalities, making the shopping experience both special and empowering.
Male staff members assisted the boys in coordinating their full Raya ensemble—including baju Raya, songkok and samping while their female colleagues helped the girls match their baju kurung with complementing tudung.
Fazmee said the company remains firmly committed to uplifting the communities around them.
“Hari Raya is a time of joy and unity, and we wanted to ensure that these children feel included in the celebrations,” he said.
“Seeing their smiles and excitement was truly priceless.”
The spirit of giving continued as another orphanage, Rumah Anak Yatim Tambunan, became the next beneficiary of the Wakalah Zakat initiative.
On March 11, Fazmee handed over contributions consisting of essential provisions and stand fans to the home’s principal, Noor Jannah Rusinin, in a simple but meaningful ceremony at the Hibiscus office.
The items are expected to greatly benefit the 101 children residing at the interior Sabah orphanage.
