KUCHING: About 600 packets of black glutinous rice porridge and durian porridge were distributed to the public at the Kubah Ria Ramadan Bazaar here through a programme organised by the Islamic Welfare Body (BAKIS) of the Sarawak Department of Agriculture in conjunction with the month of Ramadan.
The community initiative was officiated by Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, who also joined the distribution of the porridge to bazaar visitors starting at 4 pm yesterday.
Dr Abdul Rahman said the initiative is an annual programme organised by BAKIS to strengthen ties between the department’s staff and the community and to share blessings during Ramadan.
“Programmes like this provide an opportunity for us to engage with the community while enlivening the Ramadan atmosphere together with bazaar visitors.
“It also reflects the spirit of togetherness and caring that we hope to cultivate among the people during this blessed month,” he said when met during the programme.
He also expressed appreciation to BAKIS for its continued commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Muslim officers and staff in the Sarawak Department of Agriculture through various activities organised throughout the year.
“BAKIS has been actively organising welfare and community programmes such as this, and even plans to hold a korban programme during Hari Raya Aidiladha later this year.
“These initiatives show that the welfare of officers and the community remains a priority while carrying out their responsibilities in developing the agriculture sector,” he said.
Dr Abdul Rahman added that the continuous efforts of the department’s officers are crucial in supporting the development of Sarawak’s agriculture sector in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
“Our goal is to make Sarawak a net exporter of food products and to increase the income of farming households to at least RM15,000 per month by 2030.
“Achieving this vision will require strong commitment, cooperation and hard work from all parties involved,” he said.
He also noted that the Sarawak government continues to channel its revenue into developing basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, water supply, and telecommunications, while implementing various welfare initiatives for the people.
Dr Abdul Rahman added that the Sarawak Basic Needs Contribution (SKAS), introduced in 2025, has been continued this year with increased allocations for households, senior citizens and single individuals.
“The assistance is distributed in three phases throughout the year, namely in March, July and November.
“We hope the people will continue to support the state leadership in its efforts to develop Sarawak not only up to 2030 but beyond,” he said.
