Sarawak Premier Celebrates New Year with Longtime Friend and Witnesses Disaster Relief Donation

(Miri, 1st) The Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari (Yab Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg), together with his wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma'ani, visited his longtime friend of over 40 years, Chung Tai Yu, and his family today to celebrate the Chinese New Year before concluding their itinerary in Miri.

Around 11 am, the Premier couple and their entourage arrived at the venue hosted by Chung Tai Yu, where they were warmly welcomed by his family and enjoyed an impressive lion dance performance. The group gathered to cut a cake and savor delicious foods, symbolizing blessings and good fortune for the new year, amidst a vibrant festive atmosphere. After approximately an hour and a half, the Premier and his party departed Miri.

Attending the New Year celebration were the Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah, Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin and his wife, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism Datuk Sebastian Ting, and Deputy Minister of Health and MP for Sibuti Datuk Dr. Rundi Utom.

The friendship between Chung Tai Yu and Abang Zohari dates back to the era of the former state governor, the late Tun Rahman Yakub. Every Chinese New Year, Chung Tai Yu prepares a special cake for Abang Zohari to mark his anniversary as Premier. This year was no exception, with a special cake symbolizing Abang Zohari's 8th anniversary as Premier, which was cut by the Premier's wife, Juma'ani, and Chung Tai Yu's wife, Lai Yuet Chun, in a heartwarming scene.

Due to continuous rainfall leading to floods and landslides in parts of Miri, Chung Tai Yu's son, Chung Kien Ping, not only provided material assistance to the disaster areas but also donated RM100,000 to the Miri Division Disaster Management Committee under the Premier's witness to support emergency relief work. He hopes this gesture will inspire more people to lend a helping hand.

Furthermore, business partner Ivan Phua generously donated RM200,000 for disaster relief, which was received by the responsible minister of the Sarawak Transport Ministry and the Miri Division Disaster Management Committee (JPBB), Datuk Sri Lee Kim Shin.

Chung Kien Ping stated that the New Year is a good time to give back to society and hopes to help disaster victims to the best of his ability, ensuring aid reaches those in need swiftly, and called for the community to pay attention to the needs of affected families.

This donation not only demonstrates the social responsibility of entrepreneurs but also showcases the spirit of unity and mutual aid in the Miri community, bringing hope and warmth to those affected by the disaster.