By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Feb 24:The distribution of bubur lambuk is a cherished tradition during the holy month of Ramadan, but it has nothing to do with religion and instead serves as a powerful symbol of unity that blends Sarawak’s diverse communities together in tolerance and mutual respect.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development and Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) president Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Jerayawara Bubur Lambuk Saberkas 2026 programme reflects the unique harmony enjoyed in Sarawak.
“Bubur lambuk has nothing to do with religion. It is simply porridge that we prepare and distribute to the public. But it has blended us all together at a high level of tolerance and respect,” he said when launching the programme at I-CATS University College today.
He noted that in several Saberkas branches where the majority of members are non-Muslims, whether in urban or rural areas, the bubur lambuk initiative is often spearheaded by Chinese and Dayak communities, further reflecting Sarawak’s inclusive spirit.
The Jerayawara Bubur Lambuk programme has been organised for 21 years, previously launched in villages throughout the State. This year, it is officially launched at an institution of higher education and will be extended in 73 Saberkas branches and clubs across Sarawak.
At the event, 1,000 packets of bubur lambuk were distributed to students, lecturers, the I-CATS management team and members of the media.
Abdul Karim also pledged RM21,000 to the I-CATS Saberkas Club, with RM10,000 channelled from his Minor Rural Project (MRP) grant and the remainder from Saberkas funds.
Touching on Saberkas’ broader mission, he said the organisation was established to uplift youth in Sarawak and remains highly active, with more than 300 programmes planned for 2025 alone.
“With almost every week filled with activities, many of our programmes focus on youth development, including in sports, to elevate our young people to greater heights,” he said.
He explained that Saberkas adopts a distinctive leadership structure, requiring 70 per cent of committee members, whether at state, branch or unit level, to fall within the youth age category of 15 to 40 years old, while those above 40 are capped at 30 per cent.
“This ensures leadership renewal while maintaining a balance between the young and the experienced,” he added.
Saberkas currently has 82 branches aligned with State constituencies, each receiving allocations to run youth-focused activities. The organisation has also expanded into higher learning institutions, with the I-CATS Saberkas Club now boasting about 400 members.
Abdul Karim, who also oversees youth and sports at the State level, said platforms such as Saberkas clubs help build character, nurture volunteerism and instil strong State pride among Sarawak’s youth.
He recalled that during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Saberkas established Saberkas Prihatin to mobilise members in assisting communities affected by floods, fires, road accidents and other disasters.
“Whenever disasters strike anywhere in Sarawak, Saberkas Prihatin members are often among the first to arrive and lend assistance,” he said.
Open to all ethnic groups in Sarawak, Saberkas has also produced many political leaders over the years, including Tanjong Datu assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan, the youngest elected representative in the last state election and son of the late former Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.
“In nurturing leadership for the State, there must be balance, young and old, men and women. That is the strength of Saberkas,” he said.
He assured members that Saberkas remains financially stable, with funds growing sustainably through prudent investments, enabling the organisation to continue implementing impactful programmes for the youth across Sarawak.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Law, Malaysia Agreement 1963 and State-Federal Relations) Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Telang Usan assemblyman and Saberkas vice president Datuk Dennis Ngau, Daro assemblyman and Saberkas secretary general Shafiee Ahmad, and i-CATS University College vice chancellor Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi were among those present. — DayakDaily
