KUCHING: The Sarawak government will extend the annual Sumbangsih Raya aid, traditionally given to enforcement personnel working during Hari Raya, to also benefit those on duty during Gawai and Chinese New Year.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this initiative aims to bring festive joy to uniformed personnel who are unable to celebrate with their families.
He assured that the Sarawak government will provide additional funding to ensure enforcement personnel on duty during Gawai and Chinese New Year receive similar aid.
“This year, we prepared 12,000 food boxes to be distributed to our friends in uniform who will be on duty during Hari Raya. At the very least, this can uplift their spirits.
“I have discussed this with the State Secretary, and we will expand this initiative beyond Hari Raya.
“Starting this year, we will include Gawai, and next year, we will extend it to Chinese New Year as well,” he said.
Abang Johari announced this when attending the handing over of Sumbangsih Raya 2025 at Wisma Bapa Malaysia today.
Noting Sarawak’s unique culture of celebrating multiple festivals, he stressed the need to ensure inclusivity for those who work during these occasions.
“In Sarawak, we are always celebrating. We just finished Chinese New Year, soon Hari Raya, and then Gawai. It is a continuous cycle of festivities.
“I pray that Sarawak’s revenue continues to grow. With the blessings of these efforts, our income will increase, and that is why I want to start with Gawai this year,” he said.
The Sumbangsih Raya initiative is a niche annual programme under the Women and Family Department, which has been running since its establishment as the Women’s Bureau.
This year marks the 35th edition of the programme.
Initially, it began with just two recipient agencies and 2,000 food boxes.
Over the years, it has expanded significantly, now benefitting 11 enforcement agencies, with a total of 12,000 food boxes distributed this year.
