By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, March 7: The Sarawak government will extend Sumbangsih Raya, a festive assistance programme for security personnel who will be on duty during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, to include Gawai Dayak and Chinese New Year celebrations.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg noted that the initiative previously provided support primarily for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, but following discussions with the Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, the government has decided to expand the assistance to other major celebrations in the State.
“Since we have three main festive celebrations—Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Gawai Dayak, and Chinese New Year—I have instructed that we extend this Sumbangsih Raya initiative to the other two celebrations as well.
“This is the first time we will be providing aid for Gawai Dayak and Chinese New Year. However, since Chinese New Year has already passed, we will implement it next year instead,” he said when speaking during the Sumbangsih Raya presentation ceremony held at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.
Each Sumbangsih Raya package includes kolo mee, beef serunding, fruit cake, kacang botak, and 3-in-1 coffee and tea.
Abang Johari further said there will be times when the celebrations coincide, requiring the Sarawak government to increase the allocation and provide more aid packages.
He also hinted at the possibility of introducing more assistance in the future, depending on the State’s financial situation.
“If our revenue increases even further, perhaps more items will be included in the aid package.
“I leave that to Sarawak Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah and her team to decide,” he added.
Also present were the Premier’s wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Fatimah, and Mohamad Abu Bakar. – DayakDaily
