KUCHING: The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development has introduced the ‘KASIH Ibu Tunggal’ (kasihnITa) Programme 2025 to empower single mothers through knowledge, legal awareness, financial management, and personal development.
Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the initiative focuses on strengthening the ability of single mothers to understand their legal rights, particularly in claiming child support from former husbands who refuse to provide financial assistance after divorce.
“This programme is not just about knowledge in law, but also financial management and personal development. We want single mothers to know their rights and be able to defend themselves.
“Many ex-husbands refuse to provide support for their children after divorce, so we are providing financial assistance to the mothers to go to court and claim child support,” she said.
She said this when met by reporters after officiating at the ‘Gempak Inspirasi @Sepagi Bersama Persekutuan Perkumpulan Wanita (PPWS)’ programme at Wisma SABATI here today.
Nancy explained that Kuching was the first pilot project when the initiative was introduced last year, and the programme is now being extended to Miri.
“This is the first time we are holding it. But in terms of what I mentioned earlier about helping single mothers, Kuching was the first place we used as a pilot project.
“So, we are going to continue helping single mothers to go to court to make claims for their children. Kuching was the first one. Today, we are going to Miri. Because before this, we didn’t have any launching, so many people didn’t know.
“But this is not just for Muslims only. It is also for non-Muslims. Anyone who needs to go to court to claim for their children, for alimony. It is for both groups,” she added.
When asked if the programme would be expanded to other states, Nancy said it has already started in Kuala Lumpur using a zonal approach.
“God-willing, we will continue to bring it to other parts of the country,” she said.
Meanwhile, the ‘Gempak Inspirasi @ Sepagi Bersama PPWS’ programme drew more than 500 participants, featuring activities such as a forum, briefing, interactive sessions as well as exhibitions and sales.
The programme aimed to increase public awareness of the roles and services offered by agencies under KPWKM, ensuring that assistance reaches the intended groups in Sarawak.
Through knowledge-sharing, motivational sessions, and community networking, ‘Gempak Inspirasi’ highlights PPWS’ commitment to empowering women and strengthening its role as a bridge between the government and the community by delivering impactful initiatives for all levels of society.
