SIBU: Pelawan Assemblyman, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, affirmed his commitment to helping young people by providing special assistance to newlyweds, families of newborn babies and students in his constituency.

He said, up to this year, the total amount of assistance distributed since 2022 has reached RM476,900.

Of this amount, RM81,500 was distributed in 2022, RM162,500 (2023), RM134,800 (2024) and until August this year, RM78,200, involving recipients from the marriage, newborn and education categories.

“This event not only provides financial assistance, but also a space for young people and new parents to gather, share experiences and receive guidance.

“This year we are inviting speakers to share parenting knowledge so that they do not just come to receive assistance, but also go home with useful knowledge,” he said at the Pelawan Constituency Marriage, New Baby and Education Assistance Event at Kingwood Hotel Sibu, on Sunday.

Datuk Michael Tiang said the increase in the number of babies registered each year is a positive development, reflecting an increasing number of young couples confident enough to start a family despite the challenges of living costs and education.

In another development, the Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, revealed that the state government has decided to ban vaping in the near future.

“The Federal and Sarawak Governments firmly reject vaping because it is more dangerous than cigarettes.

“In fact, it is now a channel for drug addiction. The community needs to be aware that vaping is no longer a lifestyle issue, but a health and social threat,” he stressed. -UKASnews