KUCHING: This year’s Chinese New Year celebration may just be that much more meaningful for a group of underprivileged families here, thanks to contributions from the Social Welfare Department (JKM).
Women, Childhood and Community Well-being Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said a total of 100 recipients had received donations from the department as part of its Sejambak Kasih programme held at Heng Hua Seng Ing Tong here on Monday (Jan 17).
“This assistance can help improve the quality of life among underprivileged families,” she said.
Fatimah said a total of 6,106 eligible individuals throughout Sarawak had received similar contributions including 2,814 in Kuching.
“All recipients will receive a hamper worth RM80 in the form of essential items such as rice, cooking oil, eggs and other daily necessities.
“They also received contributions in the form of cash worth RM100 from the JKM,” she explained.
Fatimah explained that the programme was organised by JKM Kuching in collaboration with Kuching Heng Hua Seng Ing Tong.
She added that the JKM was also looking to work with more non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to channel assistance to the needy.
“This can also benefit the recipients because the value of the contribution they receive will be greater,” she said, encouraging other NGOs in the state to collaborate with JKM in similar programmes.
Aside from that, Fatimah stressed that the Sejambak Kasih programme was not only for the Chinese but for all races in the state.
“We will hold a special programme like this for Aidilfitri, Christmas, Hari Gawai and Deepavali,” she assured.
