90yo woman among seniors receiving aid as Wesak Day drive distributes 1,020 rice packets

Wee hands a packet of rice to a 90-year-old recipient during the Wesak Day rice packet distribution programme on May 24, 2026.

By Amanda L

KUCHING, May 24: A 90-year-old woman was among the local senior citizens who received aid during a rice distribution programme held in conjunction with Wesak Day today, which saw a total of 1,020 packets given out to elderly residents.

The event was jointly organized by the Malaysian Buddhist Association Sarawak Branch and the Federation of Buddhist Associations Sarawak.

The rice distribution programme provided 1,020 packets of rice assistance to local elderly residents.

Speaking at the event, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the initiative reflected compassion, kindness, and a strong community spirit, noting that it also demonstrated how collective efforts can translate into direct support for those in need.

“Such assistance should be seen alongside broader efforts to promote active and healthy ageing, social participation and inclusion among senior citizens.

“Simple forms of assistance such as rice distribution, help ease the burden of families while reinforcing a sense of care within the community,” he said. A recording of his speech was later shared with DayakDaily.

Local senior citizens gather to receive aid at the Wesak Day rice distribution programme in Kuching on May 24, 2026.

Highlighting the council’s long-term commitment to senior welfare, Wee explained that MBKS is continuing its work through the Age-Friendly City Committee aligned with the World Health Organisation’s Age-Friendly Cities framework, as part of efforts to improve the quality of life for older persons.

Looking ahead, he added that as the city’s ageing population grows, stronger collaboration between local authorities, community organisations and civil society will be needed to sustain both welfare support and active ageing programmes. — DayakDaily