KUCHING – The spirit of compassion and community care took centre stage during the Santunan Kasih Seindah Syawal 2026 Donation Programme, officiated by Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia & Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, on 14 March.
Fadillah, who also serves as Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation and Member of Parliament for Petra Jaya, stressed the importance of love and mutual guidance in building a harmonious society.
He said welfare programmes such as Santunan Kasih strengthen compassion within communities, especially when assistance reaches those who need support.
He explained that acts of kindness and shared responsibility help nurture peace and understanding among people from different backgrounds.
Fadillah also urged parents, community leaders, and authorities to stay attentive to the well-being of young people, highlighting concerns over harmful influences such as drug abuse.
Addressing the realities of modern life, he noted that rapid technological growth brings new challenges for society.
Citizens must remain responsible and play their part in preserving stability and prosperity in Malaysia, particularly as conflicts and instability continue to affect many parts of the world.
Earlier, Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali delivered a welcoming speech. The Samariang assemblywoman explained that the programme takes place annually to strengthen friendships, share blessings with those in need during Ramadan, and prepare communities for the coming Syawal celebration.
She added that the initiative supports residents in the Samariang constituency through the distribution of duit raya assistance and festive hampers while reinforcing community unity and welfare support networks.
During the ceremony, 150 recipients from the Samariang State Legislative Assembly area received financial aid and baskets filled with Hari Raya sweets.
Among those present were Georgina Apphia Nagau, Director of the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), Hanifah Saet, organising chairman and executive secretary of PEMADAM in Sarawak, along with other invited guests.
The Santunan Kasih initiative continues to remind communities of the importance of compassion, responsibility, and unity in strengthening social bonds across Sarawak.
