KUCHING: Kota Sentosa assemblyman, Wilfred Yap Sau Sin, has pledged an allocation of RM10,000 to the Mental Health Association of Sarawak (MHAS) Kuching branch next year to support its community-based mental health initiatives.
Yap said that the funding could only be disbursed next year as the current allocation cycle had closed, noting that the association relied on corporate contributions.
“I will try to assist. I will gove you a RM10,000 grant for next year. Use it well,” he said during the ‘Project SAYANG’ graduation ceremony at Sentosa Hospital here today.
Yap also praised MHAS, the hospital and volunteers for their commitment to strengthening mental health support in the community.
He said the course graduates now formed an important network capable of offering early intervention, awareness, stigma reduction, and emotional support.
“Mental health is not just an abstract issue; it is a real and growing challenge that affects families, workplaces and society as a whole.
“When we strengthen community-based mental health support, we are giving people hope, dignity and a chance at recovery,” he said.
Yap also shared personal experiences of encountering individuals in distress and stressed the importance of empathy, active listening and understanding.
He told participants that their work through ‘Project SAYANG’ reflected compassion and responsibility, especially in helping vulnerable individuals who may not know where to turn for help.
He also urged the public to avoid misinterpreting or taking situations out of context, emphasising that listening attentively to those facing difficulties was crucial.
Yap commended the organisers and participants for their tireless outreach, rehabilitation and crisis support efforts, saying their contribution filled an important gap in psychiatric care, which he described as often receiving lower priority compared to other medical fields.
He congratulated all 32 graduates and acknowledged the ongoing partnership between MHAS and Hospital Sentosa.
“Together, we build a community that is not only healthier, but also kinder and more resilient,” he said.
