By Tedong Rantayy
MIRI, May 21: From January to April 2024, Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS) has disbursed a total of RM85,967,700 to 54,508 monthly aid recipients across Sarawak.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to supporting the underprivileged communities in Sarawak, said Minister of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.
In the Miri Division alone, the Social Welfare Office distributed RM7,215,700 to 4,197 recipients over the same period.
“This year, as part of the efforts to celebrate Hari Gawai Dayak, 1,256 individuals in Miri were among the 26,618 monthly welfare recipients participating in the festivities. To support those (recipients) who celebrate Hari Gawai celebrations, the department has allocated RM2,661,800,” she said earlier today during the Sejambak Kasih Programme held in conjunction with Hari Gawai Dayak here.
An additional 150 recipients have already received their cash assistance during the Gawai Bekenu charity ceremony held on May 17 at the Bekenu Community Hall.
For the 956 recipients unable to attend today’s event, their RM100 in aid will be directly credited into their bank accounts.
Today’s Sejambak Kasih programme was a collaboration between JKMS Miri office with Dynasty Hotel Miri.
Moreover, Dynasty Hotel Miri contributed to the festive spirit by presenting hampers containing food items valued at RM150 each, totaling RM22,500.
This donation also marked an increase from the previous year’s support, extending aid to 150 recipients this year compared to 100 last year.
“Overall, 26,618 individuals, representing 49 per cent of Sarawak’s total aid recipients, will benefit from the financial assistance during the Hari Gawai Dayak celebrations, further emphasising the inclusive and comprehensive reach of the JKMS’s welfare programs,” Fatimah pointed out.
She further said that these substantial financial distributions and community support activities demonstrate the Sarawak Social Welfare Department’s ongoing dedication to improving the lives of underprivileged residents throughout the State.
Also present were Minister for Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Women and Child Development Deputy Minister Datuk Rosey Yunus, and Dynasty Hotel Miri managing director Tony Pui. — DayakDaily
