Simple boxes, soft toys and shared moments of care – how a visit by Sarawak Land and Survey Department officers turned an ordinary January day at the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society into a moment of connection, courage and hope
Sarawak JTS brings comfort to young cancer patients
THE boy hesitated before opening the box.
Seated cross-legged on the floor of the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) in Jalan Batu Kawa, he traced the taped edges with his fingers, pausing as if to savour the moment. When he finally lifted the lid, a small soft toy peeked out – new, bright, and unmistakably his.
He smiled.
It was a fleeting moment, but one that captured the spirit of a January morning when a group of strangers arrived — not with grand promises, but with time, care and presence.
For the children at SCCS – many of whom spend more days in hospitals than playgrounds – such moments matter.
On January 10, officers from the Sarawak Land and Survey Department (JTS) visited the centre as part of their corporate social responsibility initiative, as the Year of the Horse approaches – a programme rooted in compassion and togetherness.
Known as ‘Landas Gives Back – Love in a Box’, the initiative was less about ceremony and more about connection.
More than an official visit
For Sarawak JTS, the visit was never intended to be a formal obligation.
Its director Datuk Awang Zamhari Awang Mahmood said the department’s presence reflected a shared desire among officers to step beyond their daily roles and stand alongside families facing one of life’s hardest trials.
“Our officers came not merely to fulfil an invitation, but to share joy and a sense of family with the children and their parents here,” he said.
The programme was designed to honour the resilience of the young cancer patients – or little warriors – whose strength is measured not in years, but in endurance.
Throughout the morning, laughter filled the centre as officers joined children and caregivers in simple ice-breaking games, breaking down barriers that titles and uniforms often create.
Conversations flowed easily, and for a while, the weight of illness receded into the background.
The experience also reshaped how officers viewed their roles as civil servants.
Programme coordinator Alwin Lawrence, who is also an officer with the department’s Public Relations Unit, said the visit was a reminder that public service extends far beyond technical responsibilities.
“We are often immersed in land laws, titles and enforcement matters. But this brought us back to the true meaning of service – caring for the people of Sarawak.
“We are not just administrators behind desks; we are part of the community,” he pointed out.
Learning strength from little warriors
Beneath the cheerful atmosphere lay stories of quiet courage – not only from the children, but from the parents and guardians who accompany them on long, uncertain journeys.
Awang Zamhari spoke of his admiration for these families, many of whom come from outside Kuching and must navigate emotional strain, financial pressure and prolonged separation from home.
“We are deeply moved by the strength of the parents and caregivers here. Caring for a child with cancer is an immense test, and their resilience deserves recognition,” he said.
The Sarawak JTS director also highlighted the role of SCCS in providing a stable refuge for families, offering transit accommodation and strong administrative support that allows parents to focus on what matters most – their children’s wellbeing.
“The experiences shared here have strengthened our resolve to continue contributing, especially in terms of moral support.
“We pray that parents are given continued strength, and that these children are blessed with good health,” he said.
For Alwin, the visit left a lasting personal impact.
“We walked into SCCS with the intention of offering hope, but in the end, it was we who learned the true meaning of strength from the children themselves,” he noted.
He described moments that stayed with him long after the visit – particularly seeing a child battling a life-threatening illness suddenly beam with joy while opening a simple gift.
“It was never just about the presents. It was about the shared moments during the ice-breaking session – the human connection.
“To see them smile despite the pain they endure is something I will always remember,” Alwin shared.
Wrapped by hand, given with heart
At the centre of the visit were dozens of brightly wrapped boxes – each one the result of weeks of collective effort by Sarawak JTS officers.
The ‘Landas Gives Back – Love in a Box’ campaign was initiated in November 2025 by the department’s Public Relations Unit and quickly gained momentum among staff at its headquarters.
Officers pooled contributions, gathering items that ranged from school supplies and hygiene essentials to soft toys, children’s blankets and headphones – small comforts meant to brighten demanding days.
Last December, a gift-wrapping session brought officers together in a simple yet deeply symbolic act of solidarity.
What began as a routine task soon became the emotional core of the campaign – a sincere labour of love.
Officers from different branches, who would normally interact only over official matters, sat side by side cutting paper, tying ribbons and wrapping each box by hand.
In the process, everyday necessities were transformed into personal tokens of encouragement.
“These gifts were collected, contributed and wrapped by our own officers. They are a sincere expression of our hope to bring smiles and renewed spirit to the children as they begin 2026,” said Awang Zamhari.
For Alwin, each box carried a message beyond its contents.
“It was our way of telling these little warriors that they are cared for,” he said.
Beyond the boxes
The day’s programme included a tour of the SCCS facility, a shared lunch and the symbolic handover of the contributions, followed by informal interaction between officers, children, parents and staff.
There was no rush, no strict schedule – only time given freely.
As the visit drew to a close, some children clutched their boxes closely, reluctant to let go. Others examined their gifts with quiet concentration. Around them, parents watched on, momentarily unburdened.
Looking ahead, the department hopes its relationship with SCCS will continue beyond this visit, with more community-centred initiatives planned in the future.
For Alwin, programmes like ‘Landas Gives Back – Love in a Box’ are also about reshaping how the public sees the department.
Often perceived as a strict regulatory body, he said such initiatives reveal the human side behind public service.
“Behind our service delivery, our hearts also beat for Sarawak. Serving the people goes beyond land matters – it includes compassion for families and children who need it most,” he said.
For the boy with the soft toy, the year did not begin with resolutions or speeches, but with a simple assurance – that he is seen, remembered and cared for.
In the weeks leading up to the Year of the Horse, there was no need to speak of strength or endurance. They were already there, in the children, in their parents, and in the quiet care shared that day.
