By Amanda L
KUCHING, May 19: Manual application channels for the Post-Natal Care Assistance (Bantuan Ibu Bersalin or BIB) will remain available despite the introduction of SPay Global payments, due to internet connectivity limitations and banking access issues faced by some mothers.
Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the ministry would continue providing manual application pathways and direct bank account payment options to ensure eligible recipients were not left behind.
“We will continue to provide manual application pathways and direct bank account payment options to ensure no eligible recipient is left behind.
“This approach particularly accommodates mothers in areas with poor internet connectivity, those who lack or cannot open bank accounts and underage mothers,” she said.
She said this in her ministerial winding-up speech during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
According to Fatimah, the ministry introduced BIB payments through SPay Global on April 15 this year as part of Sarawak’s digitalisation efforts to improve efficiency, speed and transparency in aid distribution.
She said the digital payment system had shortened the processing period for applications and payments from three months to just two weeks.
Fatimah added that the initiative was also aimed at increasing BIB applications from 83 per cent in 2025 to at least 90 per cent, while ensuring more mothers and newborns receive timely assistance and support.
Since its introduction, she said the BIB programme has benefited 100,056 mothers across Sarawak. — DayakDaily
