KUCHING: Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi graced the Majlis Sumbangan Tautan Kasih event, where 100 underprivileged recipients received essential goods and cash aid today.
The event, jointly organised by Astana Negeri Sarawak, Mydin, and the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKM), symbolised compassion, inclusivity and unity among Sarawakians from all walks of life and was held at Mydin Tunku Vista.
In his personal remarks, Wan Junaidi shared that the idea for the charitable initiative began as a simple yet heartfelt discussion within his family.
He said that upon learning that he and Fauziah were eligible for the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid provided by the federal government, they decided to redirect the assistance to those in greater need.
“If we are also entitled, why not donate it to others who need it more?
“That casual conversation inspired the family to contribute our SARA aid towards helping single mothers, orphans, and low-income families around Kuching and Bau,” he said.
The idea was later formalised through coordination by Datuk Seri Syed Hamzah, the Senior Private Secretary to the Head of State, who brought together Mydin and JKM for the initiative.
Wan Junaidi emphasised that the true worth of the contribution lies not in its amount, but in the sincerity and willingness to share.
“What may be small to us can mean so much to someone else. Every sen given sincerely brings blessings not only to the recipient but also to us as a community,” he said.
He added that his family’s gesture was intended to inspire others who are capable to follow suit and help those less fortunate, regardless of race, religion, or background.
Wan Junaidi and Fauziah were joined by their daughters, Sharifah Fariah and Sharifah Nong-Jasima, son-in-law Muhammad Nur Hakeem, and granddaughter Puteri Athena Maimunah, who together participated in purchasing and distributing daily necessities under the SARA programme.
Their arrival was welcomed by Deputy Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development, Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam; Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) Mayor, Datuk Hilmi Othman; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Datuk Felicia Tan Ya Hua; and Mydin Regional Manager (Sabah and Sarawak), Zulkifli Yunus.
Also present were JKM Director, Semawi Mohamad; Deputy Director, Norhayati Abdul Rahman; and Kuching Division Resident, Dayang Joanita Abang Morshidi.
Wan Junaidi expressed his appreciation to all parties for their collaboration and dedication in making the event a success.
“May the spirit of ‘Tautan Kasih’ continue to grow within every Sarawakian, so that we may nurture a caring, united, and compassionate society founded on the spirit of family and harmony,” he said.
