SIBU – Eighty families in Kampung Sebintik, Sibu have benefitted from the Sentuhan Kasih and Consumer Advocacy Programme, an initiative by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Costs of Living (KPDN) in collaboration with the Selangau Parliamentary Service Centre.
The highlight of the programme was the Bakul Rahmah handover ceremony, officiated by Selangau Member of Parliament Edwin Banta at the Kampung Sebintik Multipurpose Hall on Saturday.
The event formed part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ease the burden of rising living costs, particularly for rural communities.
In his address, Edwin Banta expressed gratitude to KPDN for its continued concern and commitment to supporting the people. He emphasised that the Bakul Rahmah initiative was more than just the distribution of essential food items.
“This programme is not merely about providing kitchen supplies, but a symbol of the government’s care and attention to the well-being of the people. It shows that the government listens and helps according to its ability,” he said.
He also underlined the importance of ensuring that such assistance reaches those who need it most. Direct delivery of aid, he explained, ensures that the impact is felt immediately and meaningfully by rural families.
“As a representative of the people, I feel responsible for making sure that every government initiative is channelled effectively to the villages,” he added.
The Bakul Rahmah initiative, part of the wider Payung Rahmah framework, provides households with basic necessities such as rice, sugar, cooking oil, flour, milk, noodles, and eggs. It is designed to reduce the financial strain on low-income families while promoting consumer awareness and resilience.
The Sentuhan Kasih programme also included consumer advocacy activities, aimed at educating residents about their rights, responsible spending, and the importance of making informed choices in the marketplace.
Community members welcomed the initiative, noting that it not only provided immediate relief but also strengthened awareness of government support mechanisms available to them.
The event in Kampung Sebintik reflects the government’s broader strategy to address cost-of-living challenges through targeted assistance, while also fostering closer engagement between policymakers and rural communities.
With the rising cost of essential goods continuing to affect households nationwide, initiatives such as Sentuhan Kasih and Bakul Rahmah are expected to remain a key part of the government’s social support framework.
