By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 13: The idea to extend festive contributions beyond Hari Raya Aidilfitri was close to the heart of the Premier’s late wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, who believed that frontline personnel of all backgrounds deserved to feel remembered during every celebration.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the move was inspired by his late wife’s belief in inclusivity when extending aid to uniformed personnel.
“I am confident we can continue this, and with the increase, Alhamdulillah, this year we have allocated RM5.1 million for programmes like this, especially for festive occasions,” said during the symbolic presentation ceremony of the 2026 Chinese New Year contributions at the Satria Pertiwi Complex here today.
Abang Johari also said that while the public celebrates festive occasions with their families, many frontliners remain dedicated to carrying out their responsibilities, especially as statistics show a significant increase in entries into Sarawak during festive periods.
He said the State government wants to help frontline personnel share in the festive spirit, even while they are separated from their families.
This year, the government, through the Women and Family Department of Sarawak, will distribute 11,900 food containers to 11 recipient agencies.
Among the recipients are the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM), Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), Malaysian Prisons Department (JPM), Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM), Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), Road Transport Department (JPJ), Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela), and the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS).
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, and Minister for Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. — DayakDaily
