KUCHING – The Sarawak Arts Council (MSS) has provided bereavement contributions, insurance benefits and outstanding salary payments to the families of two former employees who passed away in October 2026.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah met with the respective families to convey the assistance and acknowledge the contributions made by the deceased during their service with the organisation.
The two former employees were Mohamad Arawi Mat Nor, who died on 27 October 2026 at the age of 45, and Sulaiman Tuah, who passed away on 11 October 2026 at the age of 54.
Each family received a personal bereavement contribution of RM500 from Abdul Karim. They were also provided with RM5,000 each in insurance benefits under the Group Hospital and Surgical (GHS) Insurance scheme.
The insurance payments are intended to help the families manage funeral and burial expenses following the loss of their loved ones. The combined insurance benefits amount to RM10,000, while the personal contributions total RM1,000.
In addition to the assistance provided to both families, MSS also arranged for outstanding emoluments amounting to RM1,416.98 to be paid to the family of the late Sulaiman Tuah.
The payment covers his service period from 1 to 10 October 2026 and was processed in accordance with the applicable financial procedures and regulations.
Abdul Karim said the contributions and benefits represented a gesture of appreciation for the dedication and services rendered by both employees to the organisation and the development of arts and culture in Sarawak.
He also acknowledged the contributions made by MSS employees, who collectively extended financial assistance to the bereaved families. Their involvement reflected a spirit of solidarity and mutual support among colleagues during a difficult period.
Both Mohamad Arawi and Sulaiman began their employment under the Jawatan Berasaskan Caruman (JBC) scheme on 3 January 2011. They were initially attached to the Cultural Development Unit under the Sarawak Chief Minister’s Department before continuing their service with the Sarawak Arts Council.
Their years of service formed part of the organisation’s efforts to support cultural development and arts-related activities in the state.
The assistance provided to their families covered several areas, including direct bereavement contributions, insurance entitlements and outstanding employment payments. These arrangements were intended to provide financial support following the loss of the two employees.
The provision of employment-related benefits also highlights the importance of administrative arrangements that address employees’ entitlements and outstanding payments when a staff member passes away. Such procedures help ensure that eligible family members receive the financial assistance due to them in accordance with the relevant provisions.
Abdul Karim expressed hope that the contributions and benefits would help ease the financial responsibilities faced by both families during their period of mourning.
He also conveyed his condolences and offered prayers for the deceased, expressing hope that their souls would receive God’s mercy and be placed among the righteous.
The minister’s engagement with the families marked an acknowledgement of the two employees’ years of service and their contributions to the Sarawak Arts Council and the state’s arts and cultural development. — Sarawak Daily
