A Helping Hand for Kelantan: IKEA Malaysia Brings Comfort to Homes After Tough Monsoon

Since the end of November until the first week of December 2024, Malaysia and Thailand have been severely affected by flooding due to heavy monsoon rains. This continued until early 2025, and when floods swept through Kelantan again, lives were turned upside down.

More than 28,000 families were displaced, homes were damaged, and communities were left to pick up the pieces. In times like these, every little bit of support counts. To show up for our communities, IKEA Malaysia launched two key initiatives to help families in flood-affected areas rebuild their homes and regain some sense of normality.

The impacted family in Kelantan with IKEA co-workers

Joining Hands with BBNGO for Relief Efforts

In addition to making home furnishings more accessible, we provided MYR 45,000 / EUR 10,000 worth of essential home furnishing products, and partnered with BBNGO (Pertubuhan Gabungan Bantuan Bencana NGO Malaysia) to deliver these to families in Kelantan.

An image of IKEA co-workers & Pertubuhan Gabungan Bantuan Bencana NGO Malaysia

”We are grateful to be part of this effort and hope that our contribution can bring some comfort and support to families during this challenging time."

shared Charles S. NairOperations Manager at IKEA Malaysia and the campaign lead

Carefully selected to meet immediate needs, these donations included ADDE chairs, LERBERG shelves, MELLTORP tables, and KLEPPSTAD wardrobes. An estimated 70 families were impacted by our community initiative.

Six co-workers volunteered on-site as changemakers, assisting with deliveries and assembly, with Social Days used to support the initiative. The response from the ground was heartening.

Two white KLEPPSTAD wardrobes – one 2-door and one 3-door side by side next to a pine UTÅKER stackable bed in a white room.

IKEA co-workers is helping the family to assemble their new KLEPPSTAD wardrobes

2 IKEA co-workers is combining part of the wardrobes together

IKEA co-workers brought out the flat-packed furniture for customers

Three co-workers are discussing on how to assemble the furniture

“The items given are very helpful, and the villagers appreciate them very much. Some have even assembled the furniture themselves,”

shared Puan Aziemah
BBNGO Secretary

“The families have lost most of their belongings. The floods have only gotten worse over the past three years. This year, the water level reached a height of 25 feet—when we arrived by boat, we could only see rooftops.”

shared Mr Hanafi
BBNGO Communication Head

Stories from the Ground

Behind every number is a family trying to rebuild. Like Pak Salim and his wife, who have lived in Kelantan for 40 years. They’ve seen many floods, but nothing like the recent years. Their children have moved away, and they are left to navigate these challenges on their own.

When we visited, the kids were making the most of their school holidays, playing with whatever toys remained after the flood. Despite everything, they welcomed our team with drinks, grateful for the furniture that would help them start over.

Then there’s a village leader, one of the few still living in the area. His family home—a sturdy mix of brick and wood—wasn’t spared. The floodwaters had risen to the roof, leaving behind little more than bare walls. Now, as he cares for his disabled son, the new furniture brings a sense of renewal.

Through these efforts, we’re reminded that even the smallest comforts—like a sturdy chair or a place to store belongings—can mean the world to someone starting from scratch. We’ll continue to stand by our communities, ensuring that home remains a place of comfort, no matter the challenges life brings.