INTRODUCTION
Many individuals have benefitted from the Yayasan Al-Sultan Abdullah (YASA) since its establishment approximately 28 years ago, on 11 September 1996.
YASA was founded by Al-Sultan Abdullah together with Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and their children, with a clear vision to support underprivileged communities.
Although it is not a profit-oriented organization, the hardships faced by the people serve as a driving force for YASA to ease the financial burden of those in need.
Utusan Malaysia journalist MOHAMAD HAFIZ YUSOFF BAKRI, with assistance from photographer AFIQ RAZALI, interviewed YASA General Manager, MOHD. FAKHRUL ISLAM JUHALI, to gain his perspective.
SUSTAINABLE BY NATURE
YASA was established in September 1996 by the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who at the time was the Crown Prince of Pahang. YASA was created as a special bond between the royal institution and the people—an entity designed to serve and assist the underprivileged.
Originally, the foundation was known as Yayasan Istana Abdulaziz, named after the palace of His Majesty and Tunku Azizah. The palace also symbolized their love for each other. However, in 2019, the foundation was rebranded as YASA, but its mission remained the same: to serve the community and realize His Majesty’s aspiration of helping the people.
In the 28 years since its inception, YASA has grown through carefully planned programs focusing on four key areas: education, health, welfare, and religious activities.
Al-Sultan Abdullah has always emphasized that YASA’s assistance should not be one-off but sustainable, bringing long-lasting benefits to recipients.
His Majesty often stated that every contribution must come with continuity so that its impact extends beyond the immediate moment. The goal is to avoid waste and ensure that every ringgit spent through YASA truly brings positive change to the lives of the people, especially those most in need.
A SYMBOL OF AL-SULTAN ABDULLAH’S LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE
From the very beginning, YASA has been a symbol of His Majesty’s compassion toward his people. He is constantly looking for ways to engage with and support citizens, especially the less fortunate.
To His Majesty, this foundation is not just a platform for distributing financial or medical aid, but a means to connect with the people in a friendly and humble manner.
Through YASA, His Majesty is able to interact with the public in a warm, approachable environment.
In times of disaster such as floods or fires, His Majesty is often the first leader to arrive on the scene to assess the condition of the victims. He not only visits but ensures that the assistance provided is sufficient and tailored to the victims’ needs.
For example, if His Majesty meets a pregnant woman affected by a disaster, he does not hesitate to increase support, be it in terms of healthcare or additional medical aid. This demonstrates the depth of His Majesty’s concern for his people, particularly during times of hardship.
Recently, ahead of Hari Raya Aidiladha, His Majesty ordered early preparations to ensure an adequate supply of sacrificial cows for the state of Pahang. This year, YASA contributed 26 cows across Pahang. Notably, His Majesty inquired about the possibility of sending cows to Tioman Island, where residents rarely get fresh beef for Eid.
As a result, YASA shipped six cows by barge to the island, ensuring every village received fresh sacrificial meat, a rare experience for the locals there.
THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YASA’S ESTABLISHMENT
Behind YASA’s success lie two core principles as emphasized by Al-Sultan Abdullah.
First, His Majesty sees YASA as a means of fulfilling his responsibilities as a ruler to his people.
To him, a ruler’s duty goes beyond governance and includes ensuring the well-being and welfare of his citizens.
Second, YASA is a manifestation of His Majesty’s love for the people. He often says, “Without the people, I would not be here,” a reflection of his deep affection for his subjects.
Thus, every YASA initiative is designed to ensure the people receive fair support. YASA is not merely a charitable body for financial or medical aid but a platform for His Majesty to guarantee that the underprivileged always receive support across different aspects of life.
His Majesty consistently emphasizes that each YASA initiative must be carefully planned, taking into account long-term sustainability and lasting impact.
YASA’S COMPREHENSIVE ASSISTANCE
One of YASA’s most significant initiatives is the establishment of free dialysis centers, which began in 2019. The idea emerged during His Majesty’s tenure as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
At the time, the Ministry of Health informed His Majesty that kidney disease cases in Malaysia were rising, with 8,000–9,000 new diagnoses each year.
His Majesty asked what could be done to help, especially for non-Muslim patients who are not eligible for zakat aid. For them, the cost of dialysis—up to RM3,000 a month, was a heavy burden, especially without stable income.
Thus, His Majesty ordered the establishment of YASA Dialysis Centres, starting in Cheras, then expanding to Setiawangsa, Taman Melati, Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur, and Pekan and Jerantut in Pahang.
These centers offer free treatment to all, regardless of race or religion. Additionally, free transport is provided for patients without vehicles, easing their access to regular dialysis.
YASA also runs mobile health outreach programs in rural areas for regular screenings to prevent chronic diseases, all free of charge.
In one case, YASA helped an Orang Asli woman who was unaware of her pregnancy and faced complications. She received full medical care at no cost, ensuring her and the baby’s safety.
To support this mission, YASA acquired advanced ambulances equipped with defibrillators and ventilators to handle emergencies. These are provided free of charge in Pahang and Kuala Lumpur for those in urgent need.
DIALYSIS AID PROCEDURE
To ensure only those truly in need receive dialysis support, several steps are followed:
- The hospital must first confirm and approve that the patient needs dialysis treatment.
- Eligible patients then fill out a YASA application form.
- Their income is assessed to confirm eligibility.
YASA’S CONTINUITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
Thanks to the strong support of Al-Sultan Abdullah and his children, YASA has remained resilient for 28 years and continues to thrive.
A key factor is the active involvement of His Majesty’s children, who sit on YASA’s Board of Trustees. This ensures the foundation’s mission will be carried forward across generations.
YASA’s sustainability is also supported through strategic collaborations with GLCs (government-linked companies) and private entities.
All contributions are thoroughly screened to ensure transparency and legality.
YASA AND EDUCATION: SHAPING FUTURE LEADERS
Education is one of YASA’s main pillars. Through its education aid, YASA established a long-term program called the Akademi Menara Gading (AMG).
This program opens doors for children from underprivileged families, grooming them as future leaders.
Since Pahang has produced three Prime Ministers, His Majesty envisions AMG as a platform to cultivate more capable and service-minded national leaders.
Since 1999, over 1,500 students from low-income backgrounds have been supported to pursue university education.
The program not only offers academic support but also emphasizes character building, leadership, and volunteerism.
Students are also exposed to Mandarin and Arabic to prepare them for global challenges. YASA ensures a conducive learning environment by providing hostels, technology facilities, and school transportation.
YASA’s vision is to produce future leaders who can make significant contributions to society and the nation.
ECO-SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATION & MALAYSIA BOOK OF RECORDS (MBOR)
Beyond education, YASA also supports environmental conservation, such as the LRT carriage artificial reef project in Tioman Island, which earned recognition in the Malaysia Book of Records.
This project helps restore the marine ecosystem and boosts tourism in Tioman, bringing positive economic impact and creating job opportunities for locals.
YASA proves that charitable initiatives can extend to environmental protection and community upliftment.
CHALLENGES AND SUSTAINABILITY
Like any charitable body, YASA faces financial challenges. However, His Majesty stresses that YASA will not solicit public donations.
Instead, it relies on strategic partnerships with GLCs and private entities, all of which undergo strict vetting to prevent any criminal elements like money laundering.
This approach ensures YASA maintains its integrity, so all assistance comes from clean, sincere sources.
Despite the challenges, YASA remains committed to supporting the people.
With the unwavering support of Al-Sultan Abdullah, Tunku Azizah, and their children, YASA is expected to continue having a positive, lasting impact, uplifting the underprivileged and preserving the environment for future generations, in line with Al-Sultan Abdullah’s aspirations.