In the spirit of compassion and community, Starbucks Malaysia partnered with Pertubuhan Ukhwah dan Kebajikan Anak Kelantan Perantauan (Ukhwatan Malaysia) to support families affected by the devastating floods in Kelantan. The relief efforts on 29 December 2024 brought essential supplies to six severely impacted villages and a total of 100 families from the Pasir Puteh and Machang districts received the much-needed aid. The donated items included essential foods such as rice, sugar, vermicelli noodles, and eggs, along with Starbucks coffee and tea to provide a comforting touch during this difficult time.
This effort showed the true spirit of Starbucks partners (employees) coming together as one. While their partners at the Starbucks Support Centre in Kuala Lumpur rallied to raise the funds, their partners in Kelantan, who share a deep connection with the affected communities, gave their time and energy to personally deliver the aid alongside Ukhwatan Malaysia. This initiative showcased their collective commitment to uplifting and supporting their neighbors in need.
“At Starbucks, we believe in supporting the communities we serve, especially during challenging times,” said Rina Siew, Senior Manager of Sustainability and Social Impact at Starbucks Malaysia. “Although our presence in Kelantan is now more modest, our commitment to the people here remains steadfast. We are grateful for the partnership with Ukhwatan Malaysia, whose local expertise and dedication were vital in making this initiative possible. Together, we hope to bring comfort and relief to families facing hardship.”
Representing Ukhwatan Malaysia, its Vice Chairman, Ustaz Mohd Sakeri Mat Jusoh expressed his appreciation for the collaboration. “The flooding in Kelantan has forced many families to evacuate and support from organizations like Starbucks Malaysia is crucial in delivering immediate relief. Thanks to this joint effort, we’ve been able to reach families in some of the hardest-hit areas and provide them with much-needed supplies. It’s heartwarming to see businesses like Starbucks stepping forward to show their solidarity with the Kelantanese community.”
This initiative is part of Starbucks Malaysia’s broader efforts to uplift communities across the nation. Whether through sustainability programs, community-building projects, or disaster relief efforts, Starbucks remains committed to its mission to nurture the limitless possibilities of human connections— with every cup, every conversation, and every community.