KUCHING: A total of 11,900 food packs has been distributed to security personnel and uniformed agencies across Sarawak in conjunction with the upcoming Gawai celebration as a gesture of appreciation for their continued service during the festive season.
The symbolic presentation ceremony for the Sumbangsih Gawai 2026 programme was officiated by Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the State Legislative Assembly Banquet Hall today.
Sarawak Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said the programme reflected the Sarawak Government’s continued appreciation for frontline personnel who remain on duty during festive periods.
“Programmes like this reflect the Sarawak Government’s concern and appreciation for those who continue serving during festive seasons, regardless of race or religion, to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of Sarawak are always protected,” she said.
The annual Sumbangsih programme, organised by the Sarawak Women and Family Department (JWKS), has been held for 36 years, since the establishment of the Women’s Bureau.
Fatimah said 11 security and enforcement agencies were selected to receive the food contributions this year, including the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.
The largest allocation was 4,000 food packs for the Malaysian Armed Forces, followed by 2,400 for the Royal Malaysia Police and 1,550 for the Fire and Rescue Department.
According to Fatimah, the overall Sumbangsih programme for Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and Gawai this year involved distributing 35,700 food packs to uniformed personnel throughout the state.
“As with previous Sumbangsih programmes, we hope these contributions will continue to inspire and encourage our security personnel and frontline workers to carry out their duties in ensuring Sarawak remains safe, peaceful and prosperous,” she said.
Each food pack contained six items: ready-to-eat retort meals, kuih deram, cornflake peanuts, mi kolok, and 3-in-1 coffee, and tea beverages.
Fatimah also expressed appreciation to JWKS staff and volunteers from participating agencies who were involved in the three-day packing operation held at Wisma Wanita from May 11 to 13.
“The spirit of teamwork and inter-agency cooperation is an important approach often used in implementing various community wellbeing programmes and activities,” she said.
