2,729 recipeints in Kuching to receive CNY festive aid under Sejambak Kasih programme

Fatimah (centre) and distinguished guests pose with recipients during the Sejambak Kasih Tahun Baru Cina 2026 programme in Kuching on Feb 3, 2026.

By Amanda L

KUCHING, Feb 3: A total of 2,729 recipients from the Chinese community in Kuching Division were recognised under the Sejambak Kasih Tahun Baru Cina programme this year after being identified by the Social Welfare Department (JKMS) to receive financial assistance in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration.

According to Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, the programme is an annual initiative aimed at delivering festive aid while celebrating welfare recipients who will be observing major cultural celebrations, reflecting the State government’s commitment to inclusivity in welfare distribution.

“180 of the recipients were specially invited to attend the ceremony today, where they each received RM100 in cash along with food hampers valued at RM80.

Fatimah (second right) and Wee (right) presenting cash assistance and festive hampers to one of the recipients at the Sejambak Kasih Tahun Baru Cina programme in Kuching on Feb 3, 2026.

“The remaining recipients, who were unable to attend the ceremony, were not left out and likewise received financial assistance of approximately RM100 each, ensuring that all beneficiaries could partake in the festive aid provided under the programme,” she said in her speech at the Sejambak Kasih Tahun Baru Cina 2026 programme held here, today.

Fatimah noted that Kuching Division currently records 10,883 recipients of monthly welfare assistance under JKMS, forming part of the 57,073 recipients across Sarawak.

The recipients include vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, children, persons with disabilities, chronic patients, single mothers, and low-income families.

She highlighted that in 2025, JKMS channelled a total of RM299.79 million in monthly welfare assistance to recipients throughout Sarawak, with RM57.29 million specifically allocated for Kuching Division.

The Sejambak Kasih programme is part of the Sarawak government’s broader effort to ensure that all communities, regardless of race or religion, receive support during major festive occasions such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Gawai Dayak, and Deepavali.

Also present was Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng. — DayakDaily