SARIKEI, May 27: There are now more welfare beneficiaries receiving aid from the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS) due to efforts by many concerned parties with less fortunate family members.
Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the number had been increasing annually, from 57,047 recipients in 2017 to 57,588 in 2018 and as at April 2019, the figure stood at 56,096.
She said from January to April 2019, JKMS allocated RM67,314,880 to 56,096 monthly beneficiaries throughout the state.
“Undoubtedly, this assistance has indeed helped, especially for buying basic necessities such as for eating, children’s schooling, fares for treatment and purchase of special needs items such as special milk and disposable diapers (adult),” she said before presenting financial assistance and handouts to 150 recipients at ‘Sejambak Kasih’ in conjunction with Hari Gawai Dayak and Hari Raya Aidilfitri here today.
Fatimah, in a statement, said that in Sarawak, its people, despite being from many racial and religious backgrounds, could live like friends and close families and that welfare aid had reached every nook and corner of the state.
“My ministry and the Welfare Department are very grateful to all parties, such as community leaders, the media, NGOs and individuals, who have provided information on those in need,” she said.
On the Endowment Fund of Sarawak (EFS) for newborns, she said the total number of EFS registrations was 5,070 persons, with Kuching Division registering the highest number at 1,980, followed by Sibu (950), Miri (659), Bintulu (267), Sarikei (260), Sri Aman (223), Mukah (201), Limbang (178), Betong (118), Kapit (107), Serian (66) and Samarahan (61). — DayakDaily
