Jamilah (sixth left) presenting the monetary gifts to the orphans. At fourth left is Ahmad Lai.
MIRI: The Association of Wives of Ministers and Assistant Ministers of Sarawak (Sabati) will continue to visit and extend welfare assistance to the needy and underprivileged in the state.
Its president, Datin Patinggi Dato Jamilah Anu, said this when leading Sabati members to visit the Hamidah Orphanage Complex in Permyjaya yesterday.
“Prior to this, we only focussed in Kuching, however this year we plan to visit the orphanage centres throughout the state, with Miri and Sibu the first destinations outside Kuching.
“We have been constantly helping and extending the necessary assistance all this while through funds or allocations given to the wives of Barisan Nasional representatives to be distributed to the needy in the respective constituencies,” she said.
She added that the welfare assistance is given to those in need regardless of creed, race or religion including senior citizens, those from the low-income group and those with a large number of children.
Meanwhile, she welcomed contributions from the private sector.
At the ceremony, Jamilah handed over Hari Raya monetary gifts to 95 orphans, including 31 from SMK Agama Miri.
She also handed over washing machines and laptops from Sabati to the centre.
The Hamidah Orphanage is a non-governmental organisation run by the Sarawak Orphans Welfare Association (Peryatim).
The Hamidah Orphanage Complex was declared open by former Chief Minister Pehin Sri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud on March 22, 2011.
It is located at Desa Indah 3 in Permyjaya.
According to Sarawak Peryatim chief executive officer Mohd Salleh Hamden the complex currently houses 64 children aged seven to 18 years.
“Of the number, 39 are boys and the rest are girls and they are of all races and religions,” he said.
Among those present at the ceremony were Assistant Solidarity Minister Rosey Yunus, Sibuti MP Ahmad Lai Bujang, Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat, Sabati honorary assistant secretary Datin Saadiah Buji, Sabati honorary treasurer Siti Syorgayah Ahmad Zaidin and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) publicity chief Datuk Yusuf Sani Wahab.