Tawau DAP launches new community aid initiative: “Let’s Shop at Sin Onn Market”

4 August 2025

TAWAU: The Democratic Action Party (DAP) Tawau has launched a new community aid initiative entitled “Let’s Shop at Sin Onn Market” on Sunday, 3 August 2025.

Through this programme, a total of 308 low-income individuals registered under the Social Welfare Department (JKM) received RM100 worth of vouchers each to purchase daily necessities at Sin Onn Market.

The programme specifically targeted JKM aid recipients within the Sri Tanjong constituency, based on a list provided by JKM. Recipients were contacted by DAP Tawau officers and invited to collect their vouchers at the DAP Tawau Office in Taman Emas.

This marks the first time DAP Tawau has organised such a programme in the form of shopping vouchers.

Each recipient was provided with RM100 worth of vouchers, comprising five RM10 and ten RM5 vouchers. These vouchers are valid for use only at Sin Onn Market, Tawau, from 3 August to 9 August 2025. If the total purchase amount is less than the voucher value, traders are required to return the balance in cash. Unused vouchers after the expiry date will automatically be rendered void.

DAP Tawau outlined that the initiative serves two main purposes. Firstly, it aims to reduce the cost-of-living burden on the people, especially amidst the fluctuating prices of essential goods. Secondly, it seeks to stimulate the local economy by encouraging spending at Sin Onn Market, thereby supporting small traders and promoting a mutually supportive economic cycle within the community.

Yap Wui Lip, a member of the DAP Sabah State Committee and representative of the DAP Tawau team, emphasised that regardless of the circumstances in Tawau, DAP has never stopped serving the community. He stated that the party continues to carry out various welfare initiatives, which have received broad public support.

“We have never stopped caring for every corner of this community. We hope this RM100 voucher, though modest, will offer some relief and hope to the recipients, and help ease their burden,” he said.

He also encouraged recipients to support local traders and hawkers when using the vouchers, so that a spirit of mutual assistance can continue to thrive at the market, strengthening the cycle of community support.

DAP Tawau has also expressed its commitment to continue and expand similar programmes in the future, depending on available resources, with the aim of reaching more families in need.