Spirit of compassion: Wesak Day rice aid brings kindness and care to 1,020 elderly in Kuching

Wee (fourth left) with other councillors at the press conference of rice distribution program in conjunction with Wesak Day at MBKS headquarters on May 21, 2026.

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, May 21: A total of 1,020 underprivileged senior citizens aged 60 and above will receive rice aid under a Wesak Day community programme aimed at promoting compassion, kindness, and care for the elderly community.

Kuching South City Council mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the rice distribution programme will be held on May 24 at 9am, located at the lobby of MBKS.

He said the programme is jointly organised by the Malaysian Buddhist Association Sarawak Branch and the Federation of Buddhist Associations Sarawak.

“Their continuous commitment in helping the needy reflects the spirit of compassion, kindness, and caring that is strongly associated with the Wesak Day celebration,” he said during a press conference at MBKS headquarters today.

He further said the registration and rice distribution will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last.

He reminded eligible senior citizens to bring along their identity cards (IC) for registration and collection purposes.

Wee added that MBKS continues to support welfare and community-driven programmes, especially those benefiting senior citizens, in line with its WHO Age-Friendly City initiatives.

“Our senior citizens have contributed greatly to society throughout their lives. Programmes such as this are important not only in providing assistance, but also in showing appreciation, care, and respect to the elderly community,” he said.

He also welcomed the strong cooperation between non-governmental organisations (NGOs), volunteers, community leaders, and local authorities in making the programme possible. — DayakDaily