MIRI: Over 55,000 welfare recipients across Sarawak have benefited from financial assistance totalling nearly RM99 million in the first four months of 2025, with a significant portion of the aid aimed at easing the festive burden for those celebrating Gawai Dayak.
From January to April, the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS) disbursed RM98,816,400 to 55,184 recipients, ensuring continuous support for vulnerable groups throughout the state.
In Miri Division alone, 4,513 individuals received RM8.6 million in monthly welfare aid during the same period.
Among them, 1,134 recipients will mark Gawai Dayak this year with additional support from the government.
A total of RM2.41 million was allocated in conjunction with Gawai Dayak 2025, benefitting 24,101 recipients statewide representing 43 per cent of Sarawak’s welfare beneficiaries.
At a Sejambak Kasih event held at Dynasty Hotel Miri on Tuesday, 150 recipients were invited to receive RM100 each in festive contributions.
Another 100 beneficiaries received theirs earlier at a separate event in Niah.
The remaining 884 recipients will have the amount credited directly to their bank accounts.
As the Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, could not attend in person, her address was delivered by her deputy, Datuk Rosey Yunus.
In her speech, Fatimah reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring no one is left behind, especially during festive seasons.
“This contribution is more than just financial aid; it is a gesture of solidarity and recognition of our shared cultural heritage,” Fatimah noted in her speech.
The event also highlighted the role of community partners in supporting public welfare.
Dynasty Hotel Miri, which co-organised the event, not only provided the venue free of charge but also contributed RM22,500 worth of food hampers to the recipients.
Each of the 150 guests received a hamper worth RM150.
Dynasty Hotel has been an active partner in three Sejambak Kasih programmes this year, having previously supported events during Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Tony Pui, the hotel’s Managing Director, was present at the ceremony, along with Miri Resident, Galong Luang.
The Sejambak Kasih initiative remains a meaningful annual effort, aimed at bringing joy and relief to underprivileged communities during major cultural and religious celebrations.
For many recipients, the additional support ensures that Gawai Dayak can be celebrated with dignity and joy, despite financial constraints.
