15 veteran Sabah artistes receive RM1,000 contribution each
KOTA KINABALU: Fifteen veteran Sabah artistes received a contribution of RM1,000 each, thanks to Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Tanahair (YKAT).

Among the local entertainers were Piton Gunsaga, Peter Dickie Lee, Abu Bakar Ellah, Datuk Awang Sahari and Slyvia Batin.

The contributions were presented by state Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun who was the guest of honour at an event to celebrate the artistes as well as the Chinese New Year here on Feb 14.

YKAT chairman Datuk DJ Dave said they are celebrating the organisation’s 12th anniversary this year.

“We have given assistance to almost 1,900 artistes ever since and will continue such efforts in future,” he said.

DJ Dave said the assistance was meant for artistes who had reached the age of 60, adding it was in recognition of their contributions to the country’s arts industry.

He added the assistance was from funds obtained from the government.

“The funds are utilised properly by the YKAT management to hold various activities which also help contribute to the welfare of artistes in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.

He added this was not the first time assistance had been extended to Sabahan artistes, noting that YKAT had also helped several state entertainers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“At the same time, we hope to get continuous support from various quarters in terms of funding or anything at all so we can help artistes in the country,” said DJ Dave.

Meanwhile, the event was also held simultaneously to commemorate DJ Dave’s 76th birthday which was celebrated together with residents from three special children’s homes.
Sabah & Sarawak
KOTA KINABALU: Fifteen veteran Sabah artistes received a contribution of RM1,000 each, thanks to Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Tanahair (YKAT).