RM184 mln disbursed to the less fortunate throughout Sarawak in 2019

Harden (third from right) with Dr Jerip to his right giving ang pow to one of the recipients.

SERIAN, Jan 22: The state Welfare Department disbursed about RM184 million in monthly financial assistance to the less fortunate in the state last year.

Assistant Minister of Community Wellbeing Datuk Francis Harden Hollis said there were 56,984 recipients across the state.

“The state government will not neglect its commitment and responsibility to help the less fortunate people in the society.

“So the financial assistance for the less fortunate will continue in the future,” he said at ‘Majlis Sejambak Tahun Baru Cina 2020’ at Siburan Community Hall.

The event saw 200 of the less fortunate around Siburan area receiving RM100 cash and food items worth RM50 each.

Harden said that 7,318 less fortunate people across the state will receive such assistance in conjunction with the Chinese New Year 2020.

He said Kuching recorded the highest number of recipients at 2,669, followed by Sibu (1,949), Miri (680), Sarikei (395), Serian (339), Bintulu (252), Sri Aman (254), Samarahan (218), Limbang (177), Mukah (172), Betong (161) and Kapit (52).

Harden explained that all recipients who received monthly financial assistance from state Welfare Department and those unable to attend the event would have the RM100 credited to their respective accounts. —DayakDaily