State-corporate collaboration ensures vulnerable groups not left behind, says Fatimah

BINTULU (Feb 12): Close collaboration between the Sarawak government and corporate partners continues to ensure that vulnerable groups are not left behind, especially during festive seasons, through the Sejambak Kasih programme.

State Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the initiative has become an essential platform in protecting the welfare of low-income groups, enabling them to celebrate in a more meaningful and cheerful atmosphere.

She said the success of the programme was driven by strong cooperation between the state government and the corporate sector in strengthening the delivery of assistance to targeted recipients.

“The collaboration enables aid to be channelled in a more comprehensive and effective manner to those in need,” she said at the Bintulu Division Chinese New Year (CNY) Sejambak Kasih 2026 celebration at a hotel here on Tuesday.

According to Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report, Fatimah stressed that an integrated approach involving the government, corporate sector and local community is crucial in building a strong and sustainable social support system.

She added that such ongoing efforts are in line with the state government’s aspiration to ensure that no one is left behind in the development agenda.

“Programmes like this reflect the spirit of togetherness among the people of Sarawak in helping those in need,” she said.

Fatimah noted that beyond easing the financial burden of recipients, the Sejambak Kasih initiative also nurtures a sense of care and social responsibility within the community.

In Bintulu Division, out of a total 3,423 monthly aid recipients, 262 are celebrating CNY this year, with 100 selected to receive contributions at the event.

Each recipient received RM100 in cash and a food hamper sponsored by Petronas.

The state government, she said, will continue to strengthen community-based welfare programmes to safeguard the people’s wellbeing.

Fatimah also expressed hope that more parties will come forward to support such initiatives in the future to build a more inclusive and prosperous society.

Also present were political secretary to the Premier of Sarawak Angellie Stephen Raja, representing Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang Leong Ming, the ministry’s permanent secretary Nur Alina Abdullah, head of Strategic Management and Development Division of the Sarawak Welfare Department Muhammad Zakeria Hattar, Bintulu District officer Awang Mohammed Nizam Awang Ali Bohan, Malaysia LNG Sdn Bhd general manager Khairul Ariffin Idris, Temenggong Dato Chai Shong Phian, and Bintulu Division Welfare officer Zanalia Natasha Radwan.