Masidi (middle) was the guest of honour at the event.
KOTA KINABALU: A total of 15 veteran Sabah artistes received a contribution of RM1,000 each from 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 assisted almost 1,900 artistes since (we began) and will continue such efforts in the future,” he said in a statement.
He added the assistance was from funds obtained from the government since YKAT’s inception in 2012.
“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 homes, namely Rumah Bakti Harapan, the National Autism Society Of Malaysia and Persatuan Sindrom Down Kota Kinabalu Sabah.
Some 45 special needs children took part in singing the birthday song to DJ Dave.
