KUCHING – In a significant display of community leadership and compassion, the Governor of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, have personally orchestrated and led a substantial charitable initiative.
The Tautan Kasih donation ceremony, held at Mydin Vista Tunku, provided critical aid to one hundred carefully selected recipients from vulnerable groups across the community.
The initiative’s origin story is as remarkable as its outcome. It emerged not from a planned programme, but from a spontaneous family conversation.
After discovering that they themselves were listed as recipients of the government’s Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), the Governor and his wife resolved to redirect this assistance to those they perceived to be in greater need.
This dinner-table decision evolved into a formal charity drive, embodying the Islamic principle of amal jariah, or ongoing charity.
The ceremony saw a diverse group of single mothers, orphans, and low-income individuals from the Kuching Division and Bau District receive essential parcels and financial aid.
The family’s personal involvement was a highlight of the event; Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi and Toh Puan Fauziah, accompanied by their daughters Sharifah Fariah and Sharifah Nong-Jasima, were actively involved in selecting and purchasing the necessities from the supermarket shelves, adding a profound personal touch to the philanthropy.
In his address, the Governor underscored a powerful philosophy towards charity. He articulated that the genuine value of giving is not measured by the monetary amount, but by the sincerity of the intention and the spirit of shared sustenance.
He expressed a heartfelt hope that this gesture would serve as a catalyst, inspiring other fortunate members of society to extend a helping hand to the less privileged, thereby strengthening the social fabric of Sarawak.
The successful execution of the event was the result of meticulous coordination between the Governor’s official residence, Astana Sarawak, the management of Mydin Supermarket, and the Sarawak Social Welfare Department.
This collaboration ensured that aid was delivered efficiently and with dignity to recipients from various racial and religious backgrounds, celebrated in a true spirit of unity.
The event was graced by numerous dignitaries, reflecting its significance. Among those present were the Deputy Minister of Women, Child Development and Community Welfare, Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua, and the Director of the Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), Ramzi Abdillah.
This ceremony stands as a powerful symbol of the Tautan Kasih, or Chain of Love, that community leaders hope to instil in every Sarawakian.
It reinforces the notion that a caring, considerate, and mutually supportive society is built upon such selfless acts, aligning perfectly with the core family values that are the bedrock of the state’s renowned harmony and social stability.
The event demonstrated that leadership in charity can powerfully motivate broader community engagement and foster an enduring culture of compassion.
