By WU VUIDE
LAHAD DATU: The Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL) contributed 100 food packs to SK Lahad Datu 2 in conjunction with the Ramadan month, marking the season of giving.
“This is a simple and sincere way for BRL to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to the well-being of the community,” said its chief operating officer, Sail Jamaludin.
He said the initiative was part of BRL’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme which began in 2021, just before the challenges brought about by the pandemic.
Even during those difficult times, the company remained committed to continuing the programme as supporting the community was a long-term pledge rather than a one-off effort, he added.
Sail said SK Lahad Datu 2 was identified as a key representative of the district’s student population.
“We wanted to focus our 2026 Ramadan programme on a school that is deeply rooted in the district. It is an honour for BRL to support a school that plays such an essential role in nurturing the youth of Lahad Datu,” he said.
Sail visited the school together with director of operations Hendry Filames.
Through the initiative, he said BRL hoped to share a message of gratitude and compassion during Ramadan, a time for reflection and extending help to others.
“We hope this small gesture inspires a spirit of giving and kindness that lasts well beyond the fasting month, fostering a more compassionate environment for everyone in Lahad Datu,” he said.
Sail said supporting local communities was vital as the people were the true heart of any destination.
For an operator such as BRL, a subsidiary of Yayasan Sabah Group, engaging with the community helps preserve Sabah’s unique cultural identity and heritage.
“By being an active partner in local development, we help create a vibrant and thriving region that our international guests feel privileged to visit,” he said.
He said the company intended to continue organising such programmes as a permanent part of its operations.
“Since our first outreach in 2021, we have seen how much these gestures mean to the local community. We are already looking at our calendar for the coming year to see how we can further strengthen our outreach and reach even more groups within the district,” he said.
Sail added that BRL’s commitment to the community was an ongoing process, with the company constantly evaluating how it could best support the people of Lahad Datu through various social and environmental initiatives.
“We aim to build on the success of our current programmes, ensuring that our outreach continues to be a positive and impactful force for the entire district in the years to come,” he said.
Meanwhile, BRL staff also visited Sri Pritchard Home in Kinarut to deliver basic necessities for the welfare of its elderly residents.
The visit, led by BRL chief financial officer Esner Chong and involving about 20 participants, was part of the company’s CSR initiative aimed at supporting the needs of the home and bringing cheer to its residents.
The management of the home expressed appreciation for the contribution, noting that such donations help ease operational costs and ensure that residents continue to receive proper care and daily necessities.
Sail (centre), handing over the food packs to a teacher as Hendry (right), looks on.
