Shaerine Irwina Kaur, inDrive’s Communications Manager for SEA, Khalil Rizal, inDrive’s Regional Driver Operations Team Lead - SEA and Azlan Anwar, inDrive’s Senior Driver Operations - Malaysia encounter joy and heartbreak during the team’s journey during the Ramadan food distribution across three cities in Malaysia. Ramadan.

Ramadan is a deeply significant time, marked by spiritual reflection, fasting, and a strong sense of community. It is also a season of generosity, where acts of charity—such as distributing food—play a crucial role in fostering unity and supporting those in need. During this holy month, individuals and organizations come together to help the underprivileged, reinforcing the values of compassion and solidarity.

inDrive has many programs around the world that run during Ramadan. In Malaysia, we launched an initiative spanning our three main key cities: starting in Penang, then Johor Bahru, and culminating in a high-impact event in Kuala Lumpur.

The initiative, #inDriveRodaKasih ensured that over 10,000 portions of bubur lambuk and kurma were distributed. To make it more impactful, inDrive partnered directly with small local vendors to source the meals. This not only helped sustain their businesses, but also reinforced the spirit of giving by empowering local communities.

Johor Bahru, in particular, was an eye-opening experience. When we arrived, the city was in the midst of a devastating flood following three days of continuous rain. We witnessed firsthand the destruction of homes and the struggles of flood victims.

Our original plan was to visit a low-income apartment community. However, due to the unexpected flooding, we redirected our efforts to a temporary flood relief center. Instead of the planned distribution, we provided warm bubur lambuk and dates to over 400 flood victims who had been displaced and were unable to return home due to severe mud damage.

One encounter that remains etched in our memory was with a local aunty who shared how the flood had destroyed all their Eid preparations and her children’s school supplies, just as the new school year had begun in Malaysia. The sadness on her face was heartbreaking, and in that moment, beyond offering words of reassurance, we felt powerless to ease her pain. It was a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be upended and how crucial community support is in times of crisis.

More than 30 of inDrive’s partner drivers volunteered their time to assist in preparing and distributing the bubur lambuk and dates. Their involvement made the campaign even more special; it went beyond just handing out food—they engaged with the communities they serve daily, offering words of encouragement and support.

It was truly a testament to the power of community. After each distribution, we had the privilege of breaking fast with the drivers, having meaningful conversations and strengthening our bond.

Personally, this has been one of the most moving initiatives I’ve taken part in. Being on-ground, meeting people from all walks of life, and distributing bubur lambuk and dates through both scorching sun and heavy rain was an experience we won’t forget.

We wrapped up with a grand event in Independence Square in Kuala Lumpur, where we distributed bubur lambuk alongside the army and navy forces, even joining them in a convoy of military trucks around the city.

It was a proud moment for all of us!