SIBU: Strong family ties remain a crucial foundation for building caring communities and a more harmonious and resilient society, with families urged to make greater time for one another amid the pressures of modern life.
Bawang Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said family gatherings were more than occasions for recreation, as they provided valuable opportunities for families to reconnect and strengthen their relationships.
Wong said people could sometimes become preoccupied with work, mobile phones and daily responsibilities, leaving less time for those closest to them.
“Family is the foundation of a caring and harmonious society,” he said in a speech delivered by Councillor Sean Wong, who represented him, at the Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) Sibu Family Day 2026 at Green Ecofarm here on Saturday.
He said strong families nurtured caring parents and responsible children, while united families contributed to stronger communities and a more cohesive society.
The family day featured various activities, including a fun walk, children’s colouring competition and games for adults, providing families with opportunities to interact, share laughter and create meaningful memories together.
Wong said the natural surroundings at Green Ecofarm also provided a suitable setting for families to step away from their daily routines and reconnect in a more relaxed environment.
Addressing parents, he encouraged them to place greater value on spending time with their children, saying meaningful memories were often built through presence, encouragement and affection rather than material gifts.
“Children may not remember every gift we give them, but they will remember the time we spent with them, the encouragement we gave them and the love we showed them,” he said.
He also encouraged children to make the most of the occasion by participating in the activities, making new friends and cherishing time spent with their parents and grandparents.
Wong, through Sean, expressed regret at being unable to attend the event personally due to other commitments, while extending his warmest greetings and best wishes to all participants.
He also thanked the organisers, volunteers, sponsors and all parties involved in making the SIDS Sibu Family Day 2026 possible.
Wong said values such as family, friendship, mutual respect and community spirit should continue to be strengthened to build a more connected society.
The gathering concluded with the message, “Keluarga Bersama, Kebahagiaan Dikongsi!” (“Together as a family, we share happiness!”)
