TEBEDU: A total of 2,126 welfare recipients are benefiting from the ‘Sejambak Kasih Hari Gawai 2026’ initiative.
Deputy Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam, said that out of the total, 100 recipients were invited to attend the ‘Sejambak Kasih Gawai 2026’ ceremony at Kampung Daha Kisau here to receive RM100 in cash assistance each along with hampers worth RM80.
“The remaining recipients will have their contributions credited directly into their respective bank accounts,” he said when officiating at the event here today.
Razi said that the ‘Sejambak Kasih’ programme, organised by the Sarawak Welfare Department (JKMS), serves as a platform to extend assistance to monthly welfare recipients in conjunction with festive celebrations.
He noted that the Gawai festival symbolises victory, forgiveness and gratitude, while also reminding society of its responsibility to care for vulnerable groups such as children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and families in need of continuous support.
“This programme reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that the welfare of the people is protected, in line with the state’s aspiration to strengthen social wellbeing and ensure that no one is left behind in development,” he said.
According to him, the initiative is designed not only as an annual event but also with clear objectives, including easing the financial burden of recipients in preparing for Gawai, strengthening ties between agencies and beneficiaries, and celebrating one of Malaysia’s major festivals in a multiracial society.
Razi added that from January to March this year, a total of 56,295 welfare cases were recorded statewide, involving an allocation of RM75.58 million.
“In the Serian Division alone, there are 2,806 welfare cases as of April this year, with an allocation amounting to RM1.19 million,” he said.
He said the figures demonstrate the Sarawak Government’s commitment, through the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development and JKMS, to expanding social assistance networks and empowering communities.
During the ceremony, several government initiatives were also symbolically presented, including OKU cards, Kenyalang Gold Cards, death compassionate aid, Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB), school assistance and a wheelchair.
Razi expressed hope that the programme would continue to bring joy, hope and wellbeing to recipients, while fostering a spirit of compassion and togetherness within the community.
“More importantly, it is the sincerity, love and sense of unity that we aim to nurture among the people,” he said.
