PRIME Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob launched the Malaysian Family Foundation this evening, as an institution to assist children especially in terms of education until they are 18 years old.

For a start, he said assistance would be channelled to children affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Subsequently, the foundation will spread its wing of protection to other Malaysian Family children who also need such assistance. This is the meaning of inclusiveness, togetherness and gratitude in the Malaysian Family concept,” he said.

Speaking at the launching of the Malaysian Family at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, he also shared the plight of 13 young children from two families who lost their parents during the pandemic.

“Nazurah Nabilah Benyajeed, 19, has to care for her seven siblings, while Hadrami Hasil has become the head of the family at just 11 years old to continue to survive with his four siblings, the youngest only three years old,” he said.

Ismail said these children were among 5,173 nationwide who have become orphans due to the Covid-19 pandemic, have had to shoulder huge responsibilities following the loss of their parents and never got the chance to grow up like normal children.

“As such, I urge the Malaysian Family to share their love with these children so that they can get to experience life just like their peers,” he said. – Bernama, October 23, 2021.