KUCHING: Residents need to maintain public safety awareness and caution during the upcoming Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration.
Stakan state assemblyman, Datuk Hamzah Brahim, stated this during the N17 Stakan mandarin oranges handover ceremony in conjunction with CNY 2026 at Dewan Persatuan Masyarakat Jalan Muara Tuang today.
“We should be happy and festive, but also mindful of hazards that may happen during the festive season,” he said.
Hamzah said that visiting a family whose home was destroyed by fire in the Stakan constituency last week had deeply affected him.
He noted that the house sustained extensive damage, altering the family’s lives in an instant.
“I witnessed the devastation first-hand. This is precisely why I urge everyone to exercise greater caution. We must not allow joyous occasions to end in disaster,” he remarked, adding that necessary aid had been provided to the affected family.
He encouraged residents to inspect their electrical wiring, verify that decorative lights are properly installed, and prevent circuit overloads that might trigger electrical fires.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of switching off all electrical appliances and gas supplies before leaving home, regardless of how brief the absence.
During the same event, Hamzah proceeded with distributing angpow and mandarin oranges to local residents as a gesture of goodwill and community solidarity for the festive celebration.
The distribution benefited residents from seven locations: Persatuan Masyarakat Jalan Muara Tuang Kuching (50 recipients); Kampung Sungai Jernang (30 recipients); Kampung Stakan Cina Hilir (30 recipients); Kampung Stakan Cina Hulu (30 recipients); Kampung Kuap Cina (30 recipients); Batu 14 (30 recipients); and Unigarden/Unicentral (10 recipients).
Hamzah extended his well-wishes to all residents, expressing happiness at seeing many people healthy and prosperous.
“As we welcome the Year of the Horse, I want to emphasise the importance of celebrating responsibly and thoughtfully.
“On behalf of the Stakan service centre committee, I wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year. May this year bring health, prosperity, and happiness to all,” he concluded.
