KUCHING: A total of 450 underprivileged senior citizens here received ang pows and festive mini hampers on today (Sat, Jan 31) under STM Lottery Sdn Bhd’s annual Chinese New Year Ang Pow Donation Campaign.
The distribution event, held at the Association of Churches Sarawak hall, was officiated by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng as part of the company’s nationwide Chinese New Year outreach programme.
“Chinese New Year is a deeply meaningful celebration for the Chinese community and is embraced by people from all walks of life, regardless of background or financial status,” he said, adding that initiatives such as this help foster compassion, strengthen social bonds and promote unity among Malaysia’s diverse communities.
He noted that STM Lottery’s long-standing commitment to assisting underprivileged senior citizens was reflected in its consistent nationwide efforts, which have benefited nearly half a million elderly recipients over the decades.
According to STM Lottery, the Chinese New Year Ang Pow Donation Campaign is carried out across 50 cities and towns nationwide, with the aim of ensuring that needy senior citizens are able to celebrate the festive season with dignity, warmth and joy.
At today’s event, each beneficiary received an ang pow, a festive mini hamper and mandarin oranges, symbolising goodwill and best wishes for health, prosperity and happiness in the new year.
In Sarawak, the campaign is also being implemented in Sri Aman, Serian, Sarikei, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.
Nationwide, the six-day donation drive this year is expected to benefit about 19,680 underprivileged senior citizens.
Under its ‘Helping Hands’ programme, STM Lottery has allocated approximately RM1.53 million for the initiative.
In closing, Wee expressed hope that the campaign would continue in the years ahead and wished all Malaysians prosperity, well-being and success in the Year of the Horse.
