Juma’ani inspired expansion of festive contributions beyond Aidilfitri, says Abg Jo

KUCHING (Feb 13): The late Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang inspired the Sarawak government to extend festive contributions to frontliners beyond Hari Raya Aidilfitri, said the Premier.

The Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) quoted Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as saying that his late wife wished to see inclusivity reflected in assistance provided to uniformed bodies.

He said the Sarawak government continues to value the commitment of uniformed personnel who serve tirelessly at the frontline, including during festive seasons, to ensure the state’s security is upheld.

“We try to help so that they can still feel the festive spirit together with us, even though they are far from their families,” he said when officiating at the distribution of Sumbangsih Chinese New Year food packs to members of 11 government agencies here.

“I am confident that we can continue this effort and, due to the expansion of the programme, thank God, this year we have allocated RM5.1 million for initiatives such as this, particularly for festive occasions.”

The government will distribute 11,900 food packs to 11 recipient agencies through the Sarawak Women and Family Department for Chinese New Year.

The recipient agencies are the Armed Forces, police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Fire and Rescue Department, Prison Department, Immigration Department, Customs Department, Road Transport Department, General Operations Force, People’s Volunteers Corps (Rela), and Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit.

Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the Sumbangsih event is a signature annual programme of the Sarawak Women and Family Department, which has been implemented for 36 years since its establishment as the Women’s Bureau.

“This year, based on the principle of inclusivity championed by the Right Honourable Premier, a new chapter in history has been created. The good news was announced by the Premier during the Symbolic Handover Ceremony of Sumbangsih Raya 2025.

“The programme, which was previously held in conjunction with Hari Raya, has now been expanded to include the Gawai Dayak celebration and Chinese New Year,” she said.

She pointed out Sumbangsih Gawai was organised for the first time in 2025, while Sumbangsih Chinese New Year is being held for the first time this year.

She added the programme reflects the Sarawak government’s appreciation for the sacrifices and commitment of enforcement personnel who remain on duty throughout the festive seasons to safeguard the sovereignty, security, and peace of the state.

Among those present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, and Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.