KUCHING, Dec 24: Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah says her ministry will prioritise the implementation of various forms of social support and intervention, referral research, services, and facilities to support continual social inclusivity to enhance community well-being in 2024.
In a statement, she said these include research on child well-being, child social protection, and preparation for ageing in Sarawak; the construction of a Community Social Support Centre in Sibu and Lawas; the construction of a Special Needs Community Centre in Samarahan; the setting up a One Stop Early Intervention Centre in Miri; and additional benefits for Kenyalang Gold Card Holders.
She said that despite the global challenges to solidarity and unity in 2023, Sarawak will continue to enjoy social harmony through greater unity in diversity, inclusivity and intergenerational cohesion activities to sustain the community’s well-being, in 2024.
“With a surplus budget of RM12.4 billion approved by the Sarawak government, on top of an RM5.8 billion federal government development budget, for 2024, Sarawakians are geared to experience another year of robust economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability,” she said in her New Year 2024 message.
Fatimah wants Sarawakians in the coming year to continually meet the needs of future generations; young people to systematically participate in decision-making for more child-friendly initiatives; initiate better social protection and safety nets; implement multidimensional alleviation of poverty; achieve greater connectivity; and enhance citizens’ social well-being.
She wished all Sarawakians a shared sense of common purpose to respect the rights of children, women, older persons and people with disabilities; to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment; and inclusive early childhood education. — DayakDaily
