KUCHING: Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah took the time to engage with the families of two late staff members of the Sarawak Arts Council (MSS) to present bereavement contributions and insurance benefits.

The two staff members were the late Mohamad Arawi Mat Nor, who passed away on 27 October 2026, at the age of 45, and the late Sulaiman Tuah, who passed away on 11 October 2026, at the age of 54.

In addition to a personal bereavement contribution of RM500 for each of the families, they also received insurance benefits under the Group Hospital & Surgical (GHS) Insurance scheme amounting to RM5,000 per family to assist with funeral and burial expenses.

MSS also facilitated the payment of emoluments for the period of 1 to 10 October 2026, totaling RM1,416.98, to the family of the late Sulaiman, in accordance with prevailing financial procedures and regulations.

Dato Sri Abdul Karim said that these contributions serve as a token of appreciation for the service and dedication rendered by both individuals to the organisation, as well as to the development of arts and culture in Sarawak.

He also expressed his gratitude to the MSS staff who collectively contributed to the families of the deceased, reflecting a spirit of care and solidarity among the workforce.

Both individuals began their service as staff under the Jawatan Berasaskan Caruman (JBC) scheme on 3 January 2011, within the Cultural Development Unit of the Sarawak Chief Minister’s Department, before continuing their service with MSS.

Dato Sri Abdul Karim expressed hope that the contributions and benefits provided would alleviate the burden on the late individual's families, and he prayed that the souls of both may be blessed with mercy and placed among the righteous. -UKASnews