SIBU: Female constituents in the Bukit Assek constituency stand to benefit when 5,000 bottles of cooking oil will be distributed through the International Women’s Day Caring Programme in conjunction with the International Women’s Day celebration on March 8.
Bukit Assek assemblyman, Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, said the number of distributions this year showed an increase compared to previous years as an effort to help more residents, especially in dealing with the rising cost of living.
According to him, the programme, which is continuously organised by the N.51 Bukit Assek service centre in collaboration with the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Bukit Assek Branch Women’s Section, has shown positive development when 2,500 bottles of cooking oil were distributed in 2024, increasing to 4,500 bottles last year and then 5,000 bottles this year.
“This step was taken to help ease the burden of the people’s daily expenses, as well as appreciate the role and contribution of women in society,” he said when officiating at the programme today.
Commenting on the importance of celebrating International Women’s Day, he said women play a major role in various fields including professional careers, entrepreneurship and community leadership, in addition to being the backbone of the family institution.
He also stressed that the sacrifices of women, including full-time housewives who manage the household and care for the welfare of their families, should be given due recognition and appreciation by society.
The distribution programme took place from February 28 to March 20, with each recipient eligible to receive a bottle of cooking oil weighing two kilogrammes based on the principle of first come, first served.
Eligible female constituents are required to present themselves at the N.51 Bukit Assek Service Centre at No. 3 and 5, Lorong Tong Sang 1 here for collection purposes, by bringing their identity cards for verification, while collection by representatives is not allowed.
Distribution hours are set from 8.30 am to 2.30 pm on February 28, March 1, March 7 and March 8, while on other dates from 9 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 4.30 pm.
