KUCHING: The community in Sarawak has been urged to continue its spirit of giving and providing assistance to those who are in need.
Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said she is deeply touched to see Sarawakians coming together to help the needy regardless of race.
“The needy are not left out; as we can see, non-government organisations (NGOs) will come forward to help them.
“It is because of this kind of spirit and having the compassion to help the unfortunate ones, the disadvantages, and the needy society that actually is one of the many contributing factors why Sarawak is a united state.
“So, this is a concept we hold dear and is one of the many factors that contribute to the unity in diversity in Sarawak,” she said at the presentation of Hari Raya gifts at Sarawak Hun Nam Siang Tng here today (Apr 16).
Fatimah also said she had observed that throughout the holy month of Ramadan, many NGOs, be they religious, welfare-based, or non-Muslim NGOs, offered assistance to the less fortunate as well as invited the families to break their fast.
“And this is the beauty of Sarawak. There is no such thing as only Malay helping the Malay community. No.
“But what we can see today is that even non-Muslim NGOs are concerned about helping the less fortunate. This is what it means to help irrespective of race and religion,” she said, adding that with more such activities, many of those who are in need will be assisted.
Apart from assistance from the government, Fatimah added that they would like to see NGOs continue with the good deed of helping those in need.
“Most importantly, we want to make sure everyone has food on their table, and we are thankful there have been no instances of unrest in Sarawak due to issues such as not having enough food,” she said.
Earlier, Sarawak Hun Nam Siang Tng presented ‘duit raya’ while 38 Yayasan Amal Cinta handed over special food provisions to 99 Muslim families.
Also present was Sarawak Hun Nam Siang Tng president Tay Boon Sin.
