KUCHING: The Sarawak government will continue with its Sumbangsih Raya programme as a gesture of gratitude towards the enforcement personnel who are required to make sacrifices and work during the festive season.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state acknowledged the role of frontliners in ensuring the safety and security of both the people and the state.
“The Sumbangsih Raya programme which contains boxes of goodies to be given to the frontliners, started since 1990.
“Our state has been growing economically and this also means more agencies will be involved to take care of the safety and security of the state.
“Therefore, with Sarawak having additional revenue, we will also continue with this ‘Sumbangsih’ Raya initiative for the upcoming years,” he said.
Abang Johari said this when officiating at the Sumbangsih Raya 2023 (SR23) handover ceremony at Wisma Bapa Malaysia yesterday.
Earlier, Minister of Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the annual ‘Sumbangsih Raya’ programme was organised for the state government to express its appreciation to the enforcement teams who will be on duty during Hari Raya.
“We believe that this small token of appreciation from the state government provided for the frontliners can brighten up their Aidilfitri celebration even if they are unable to be with their families due to work,” she said.
She also said this year the state government thought her ministry has identified 11 agencies that will be receiving the Sumbangsih Raya boxes.
A total of 12,000 boxes will be distributed to the personnel from the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM); The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM); The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM); State Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba); The Malaysian Prison Department (JPM); The Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM); Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDRM); The Road Transport Department Malaysia(JPJ); Malaysia Civil Defence Department (APM); Malaysian Volunteer Corps Department (RELA) and the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS).
Amongst those present were the Premier’s wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang; Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian; Deputy Minister of Women and Childhood Development Datuk Rosey Yunus; and Deputy Minister of Community Wellbeing Mohammad Razi Sitam.
