KUCHING: Sarawak has received a total of 24 applications for the inclusion of the ‘K’ indicator under anomaly cases, according to the latest data from the National Registration Department (JPN) Sarawak as of April 23 this year.
Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the inclusion of the “K” indicator under these special anomaly cases each represents a child’s hope for a more secure future.
“Seven of these applications involve adopted children, while 17 are for children who were found or abandoned, placed in the care of government welfare institutions, and adopted by Malaysian citizen couples holding the ‘K’ indicator.
“Eleven applications came from Sibu, 10 from Kuching, and one each from Miri, Bintulu, and Daro,” she said during the Sarawak Social Welfare Department’s (JKMS) Hari Raya Gathering and Presentation of Grants and Assistance for 2025, held at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre on Monday (April 28).
The applications follow the policy decision made by the Sarawak State Executive Council (MMKN) on Sept 26, 2024.
This policy serves as an additional guideline for implementation by JPN Sarawak which covers children adopted by Malaysian couples with the “K” indicator and abandoned children from government welfare institutions adopted by such couples, regardless of their birth records.
During the event, Fatimah also expressed her delight over the recent Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2024 examination results, which saw 11 residents from JKMS institutions passing the national exam.
“We are grateful that these children have been given access and the opportunity to receive an education and sit for their examinations.”
The successful candidates included two students from Sekolah Tunas Bakti, three from Seri Puteri Kuching, two from Asrama Akhlak Perempuan Kuching, one from Rumah Kanak-Kanak Datuk Ajibah Abol Sri Aman, three from Rumah Kanak-Kanak Toh Puan Hajah Norkiah Kuching, and two from Sekolah Henry Gurney Puncak Borneo.
Fatimah also celebrated the achievements of JKMS clients by presenting various awards and assistance, including the Outstanding Student Award to 11 individuals, grants to 10 JKMS-affiliated voluntary organisations, and monthly aid to 20 recipients.
Other presentations included appointment certificates to 10 SCHB panel clinics, bereavement assistance for five individuals, strategic partnership recognitions under the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) initiative to 10 recipients, and KGCs awarded to five individuals.
