KUCHING: Proactive efforts at the community level must continue to be strengthened to identify individuals who have yet to receive welfare assistance, said Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
She said there are still eligible individuals who have not been registered under the Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) assistance system, resulting in some deserving recipients being left out.
According to her, the situation calls for the active involvement of community leaders, local representatives, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
(on wheelchair) after handing over the wheelchair to him, while others look on. – Photo: Ramidi Subari
She urged community leaders in villages to pay close attention to those around them, noting that there are still villagers who have yet to receive assistance despite being unable to support themselves.
“So, I hope they can help inform the nearest JKM office. JKM is available in every district. That is one of the ways we can help, because we are not in every house and therefore may not know the actual situation.
“That is why the role of village leaders, whether party leaders, NGOs or community heads, is important in channelling information to JKM so that assistance can be provided. They will come and conduct an investigation before managing the application process,” she said.
She said this when met after a ‘Ziarah Kasih’ programme at Kampung Tabuan Lot today, involving the presentation of aid to three recipients.
During the visit, each recipient received RM500 in cash from the Santubong Parliamentary Office, RM300 from Yayasan Kebajikan Negara (YKN), two wheelchairs and food baskets in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
She revealed that as of January 2026, a total of 556,521 welfare aid cases had been recorded nationwide, involving an allocation of RM252 million.
Of that number, 165,944 recipients were senior citizens, while 251,132 were persons with disabilities (PWDs).
