MUKAH: The state government’s swift response in channelling immediate assistance amounting to RM17,600 to fire victims in Kampung Bunut reflects its continued commitment towards safeguarding the welfare of disaster-stricken communities.
Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the aid was delivered directly to affected families to help ease their burden following the loss of their homes in the fire incident.
“Under the assistance, a victim identified as Malik received RM300 through the Immediate Aid Fund (TBS), in addition to building materials, daily clothing and pocket money.
“Meanwhile, Haiqal’s family also received RM300 in TBS assistance together with school uniforms, school supplies, daily clothing and pocket money,” she said.
She said this during a visit to the affected area on Wednesday (May 6) as reported by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
Fatimah was accompanied by Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine, Acting Mukah Resident Shafrie Saili and Mukah Division Welfare Officer Dariel Thiong Yiew Seng.
In a separate event, Fatimah officiated at the Sejambak Kasih Gawai Programme for Mukah Division 2026 at Rumah Ajah, Tanjung Pedada.
She said the programme serve as a platform to reach out to and assist those in need.
“The Sejambak Kasih programme has been implemented for over 20 years and remains an annual initiative by the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKM) in conjunction with major festive celebrations including Hari Gawai, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali and Christmas,” she said.
Fatimah said the programme not only helps ease the financial burden of recipients in preparing for festive celebrations, but also symbolises the government’s continued concern for the wellbeing of the people.
“Through programmes like this, the government is able to reach out to those in need while ensuring they too can celebrate the festive season with joy,” she said.
During the ceremony, each recipient received RM100 in cash and a hamper worth RM80, while recipients who were unable to attend would receive their assistance through direct bank transfers.
Recipients comprised beneficiaries from various monthly aid schemes involving the areas of Sebakong, Tanjung Pedada and Bukit Engkerbai.
As of May 2026, a total of 505 Iban recipients under monthly welfare aid schemes in Mukah District were recorded to be celebrating Gawai this year.
From January to May this year, JKM Sarawak channelled RM11.13 million in assistance to 4,540 recipients throughout Mukah Division.
Of the amount, RM2.72 million was distributed to 1,140 recipients in Mukah through various aid schemes including assistance for senior citizens, children, general welfare aid and persons with disabilities (OKU).
At the same event, Fatimah and Royston each announced Minor Rural Project (MRP) grants amounting to RM7,000 and RM5,000 respectively to support activities at the longhouse.
