KUCHING: Sarawak plans to increase the allocation for Raya goodies to be distributed to security and enforcement agencies next year, says Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

       "Every year, we distribute Raya goodies to spread festive joy to those who are on duty and celebrating away from their families.

       "Each year, we have increased the number of recipient agencies as well as the contents of the goodie boxes.

       "Today, my wife suggested that next year, besides cakes and snacks, we can include food like instant noodles so that those on duty can have something more filling," he told reporters after handing over the Raya goodies at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here on Wednesday (March 20).

       Abang Johari said the suggestion had been welcomed by state Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, whose ministry implements the distribution of the Raya goodies.

       "So we will increase the allocation for next year," he added.

       In his speech earlier, Abang Johari thanked the enforcement and uniform agencies for carrying out their duties with dedication over the years.

       StarPicks

       SHAPING THE FUTURE AT MMU

       He said they had played a pivotal role in helping out during the Covid-19 pandemic, including during floods and other emergencies.

       Meanwhile, Fatimah said 12,000 boxes would be distributed to 11 agencies for Hari Raya this year.

       The recipient agencies comprise the Armed Forces, Police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Fire and Rescue Department, Prisons Department, Immigration Department, Customs Department, Road Transport Department, Civil Defence Force, People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) and Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit.

       "This is one of our signature programmes to express our care and appreciation for the sacrifices of security and enforcement personnel who are on duty during Hari Raya," Fatimah said, adding that her ministry spent RM474,255 to prepare the goodies this year.