KUCHING: A Chinese New Year outreach programme in Satok brought festive cheer to residents and small business operators as food baskets and seasonal contributions were distributed to assist those preparing for the upcoming celebration.
Held at Thompson Corner along Jalan Nanas, the programme saw Deputy Minister of Utility (Sarawak Energy Bhd and PETROS) and Satok state assemblyman, Datuk Ibrahim Baki, present food baskets to about 40 recipients, comprising residents and members of the local business community.
Organised by the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) in collaboration with SUPP Satok and PBB Satok, the initiative formed part of an annual effort to ensure that the festive season remains inclusive, particularly for those requiring additional support.
Such initiatives are held annually in conjunction with major festive celebrations to assist lower-income residents and ease preparations for the festive season, particularly among urban communities where living costs continue to rise.
Ibrahim said the programme reflects a long-standing community tradition in Satok, where festive celebrations are accompanied by collective efforts to assist those in need while strengthening ties among residents and traders in the area.
“Chinese New Year is a time to renew family ties and bring people closer together, and programmes like this allow us to preserve cultural traditions while supporting the community,” he said when met by reporters.
The food baskets included essential items such as rice, angpow, oranges and moon cakes contributed by PBB Satok, as well as corporate calendars, while food vendors operating in the area also received festive contributions.
Earlier, souvenirs were presented to sponsors UM Colour Printing Co. for its contribution of printed calendars and PBB Satok for sponsoring the moon cakes.
On a separate matter, Ibrahim also responded to questions from the media regarding ongoing discussions on oil and gas matters under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“We are still in discussion and hope to reach a commercial settlement. Otherwise, the court will interpret the matter, and we will honour whatever judgment is made,” he said.
