KUCHING: 23,037 monthly welfare aid recipients across Sarawak have benefited from the Sejambak Kasih Programme, involving a total allocation of RM2.46 million as of April 2026.

Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the programme reflects the Sarawak Government's commitment to ensuring those in need are also included in festive celebrations.

"When welfare aid recipients are included in festive celebrations, it sends a message that they remain part of the community," she said when speaking at the Sejambak Kasih Deepavali 2026 event at a prominent hotel here on Monday.

She explained that the Sejambak Kasih Programme which has been implemented for more than two decades through the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS) reaches out to welfare aid recipients during Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Gawai Dayak, Deepavali and Christmas.

According to her, the programme goes beyond providing assistance, conveying the message that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and remains an integral part of society.

"This programme reflects an important principle of community wellbeing, that assistance and care must reach those who need them, and every individual deserves to be treated with dignity," she said.

She added that hardship not only affects a person's finances but can also undermine their self-confidence, emotional wellbeing and sense of belonging within the community.

In this regard, she said all parties, including the government, community organisations, the business sector and families, share a collective responsibility to build a more caring and inclusive society.

She also called on the public to continue practising compassion in their daily lives, including helping those in need and ensuring no one feels excluded from the community. -UKASnews