KUCHING: Head of State Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud has donated RM240,000 to 12 welfare institutions under the supervision of the State Welfare Department.
The donations were presented during the high-tea reception hosted in conjunction with Taib’s 85th birthday celebration at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Dining Hall yesterday (Oct 10).
Among the institutions were Rumah Seri Kenangan Kuching Board of Visitors and Rumah Seri Kenangan Sibu Board of Visitor; each received RM30,000.
Seven institutions presented with RM20,000 each were the Samarahan Rehabilitation Centre Board of Visitors; Sekolah Tunas Bakti Kuching; Sekolah Tunas Bakti (Female) Miri Board of Visitors; Taman Seri Puteri Kuching Board of Visitors; Datuk Ajibah Abol Sri Aman Children Home Board of Visitors; Toh Puan Hajah Norkiah Kuching Children Home Board of Visitors; Desa Bina Diri Kuching Board of Visitors and Bengkel Seri Sarawak.
Meanwhile, Asrama Akhlak (male) Kuching and Asrama Akhlak (female) Kuching each received RM10,000.
The purpose of the donations was for the respective institutions to carry out activities with their residents.
Meanwhile, earlier during the high-tea reception, a welcome dance performance showcasing the diversity of various races in Sarawak was held before a recitation of prayer by the State Chief Imam Datuk Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi.
After this, Taib cut ‘pulut kuning’ (a yellow glutinous rice cake) to commemorate his 85th birthday. The reception then continued with songs and musical performances.
Also present were Taib’s wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Ragad Kurdi Taib; Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg; Education, Science and Technological Research Assistant Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee who represented Utilities Minister and minister in charge of the Taib’s birthday celebration, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Assistant Minister for Women, Family and Childhood Development Rosey Yunus; Assistant Minister of Community Wellbeing Datuk Francis Harden Hollis; DUN Speaker’s wife Datuk Fatimah Mohd Iskandar; Sarawak Welfare Department director Noriah Ahmad, state ministers and other dignitaries.
