By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 14: A grand royal tea reception was held today in conjunction with the Sarawak-level celebration of the Official Birthday of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, bringing together State leaders, dignitaries and members of the public in a festive atmosphere at the Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Complex in Betong.
Sarawak Governor (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, attended the event, which formed part of the State-level celebration hosted by Betong.
The ceremony began with a symbolic cutting of pulut kuning by Wan Junaidi to mark the occasion.
During the reception, Wan Junaidi also presented welfare assistance to registered recipients under the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKM) in Betong Division. The aid covered several categories, including General Assistance, Elderly Assistance, Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Unable to Work, Disabled Workers Allowance, Bedridden Patient Care Assistance, and Children’s Assistance.
Among those present were Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and daughter Dayang Norjihan; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and wife Dato Doreen Mayang; Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; and Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai and wife Datin Sri Melia Gelen.
The royal tea reception was among the highlights of the Sarawak-level celebration of the King’s official birthday, which was hosted in Betong this year.
The celebration will conclude tonight with a People’s Concert at the same venue, featuring performances by local and national artistes including Aina Abdul, Ramles Walter, Carrie Geres, Masterpiece, Mawat, Stanley and Chien. — DayakDaily
