Sinar Syawal programme brings festive cheer to 52 Balingian orphans

MUKAH (March 18): A total of 52 orphans from the Balingian constituency were feted at a ‘Sinar Syawal’ programme held at Medan Mall Mukah here on Tuesday.

According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit report, the inaugural programme, organised by the Balingian service centre, aimed to spread festive cheer among underprivileged children ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi said the initiative was meant to ensure the children could experience the celebration in the same spirit as others.

“At the very least, this effort helps brighten their lives, especially for those who no longer have parents,” he told reporters after the event.

Participants were from nine villages within the constituency, including Kampung Kuala Balingian, Kampung Masjid Balingian, Kampung Tabo, Kampung Sungai Alo, Kampung Tutus Ulu, Kampung SPS Sungai Alo, Kampung Bunut, Kampung Tanjung and Kampung Matadeng Kecil.

During the programme, the children were given the opportunity to choose their preferred Hari Raya outfits.

Many expressed appreciation to Abdul Yakub for the initiative, especially with the festive season approaching.

Abdul Yakub expressed hope that the programme would bring joy to the children and enable them to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri meaningfully.