KUCHING: A total of 417 single mothers in Sarawak applied to participate in the 2026 ‘Kasih Ibu Tunggal’ (KasihnITa) Programme, but only 150 participants were selected for the state-level programme.
Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, said the number of applications was not merely an encouraging response but proof that many single mothers wanted the opportunity to learn, enhance their skills, and improve their lives.
She said the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) has allocated RM3.5 million to implement the programme across 13 states this year, with a target of benefiting 5,000 single mothers nationwide.
“The programme has been running quite some time but it consists of several stages and this is the first time we are bringing the programme to Sarawak.
“Our objective is to ensure that no single mother is left behind in the country’s development, although we recognise that we have not yet reached everyone who needs these services.
“We want to build a society that is more inclusive, prosperous and resilient, where women have the knowledge and skills to help themselves and their families continue progressing and improving their lives,” she told reporters when officIating the ‘Program Kasih Ibu Tunggal (kasihnITa) 2026 Peringkat Negeri Sarawak’ at a hotel here today.
Citing the 2020 Population and Housing Census by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Nancy said Malaysia has more than 341,000 female heads of household, including over 27,000 in Sarawak.
She said the figures represented mothers striving to provide a better future for their families, making the empowerment of single mothers a long-term investment in stronger families, communities and the nation.
Nancy added that the three-day programme brought together agencies including the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK), Bank Negara Malaysia, the Legal Aid Department (JBG), KPWKM and the Syariah Judiciary to expose participants to financial management, legal assistance, and other support services available to single mothers.
“This programme also encouraged participants to share their experiences while providing feedback that would help the ministry improve future editions and shape upcoming budget initiatives to better address their needs,” she added.
On legal assistance, Nancy said the programme works with the Legal Aid Department and the Syariah Judiciary to assist mothers facing difficulties in obtaining child maintenance, including cases where court orders have already been issued but payments are still not made.
She said such cases often require both legal and financial support to enable mothers to pursue maintenance claims for their children, adding that the ministry would continue strengthening inter-agency collaboration to ensure single mothers receive the assistance they need.
