KOTA SAMARAHAN: A total of 480 recipients from villages and military camps in the Stakan constituency received RM48,000 in Gawai assistance during a presentation ceremony at the Stakan Service Centre on Tuesday.
Stakan assemblyman Datuk Hamzah Brahim said the annual initiative was expanded this year to reach more beneficiaries, including military personnel for the first time, as part of efforts to ensure broader community coverage ahead of Hari Gawai.
He said the programme, introduced last year with about 300 recipients and later increased to 400, has now grown to 480 recipients in its second year.
“This year, for the first time, military personnel from Kem 3 Briged and Kem 1 Divisyen are also receiving assistance as both camps are located within the Stakan constituency,” he said.
Hamzah explained that the assistance was funded through external sources, including zakat contributions and donations from concerned individuals, to enable more people to benefit regardless of background.
“If we provide assistance for the Chinese community during Chinese New Year, I believe the Dayak community should also receive similar attention.
“That is why we started this programme last year and increased the number of recipients to 480 this year,” he said.
He stressed that the assistance was not seasonal or politically motivated, but would continue annually as long as resources permitted in order to help those genuinely in need.
Hamzah also reminded Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) to assess recipients fairly and transparently so that aid reaches deserving groups, including senior citizens and low-income families.
“Do not practise favouritism. The villages know best who truly needs assistance. We want this aid to benefit those who qualify,” he said.
Among the areas receiving the special Gawai contributions were Kampung Sidanu, Kampung Merdang Gayam, Taman Samarindah, Kampung Merdang Limau, Kampung Sungai Empit, Kampung Sidarud, Kampung Sijiram, Kampung Merdang Lumut and Kampung Quop.
