KUCHING: The government has set aside RM1 billion this year to support and uplift communities.
However, Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, highlighted that many organisations have yet to fully utilise the allocated funds.
She explained that grants of up to RM100,000 are available for each community to implement various initiatives under the Sejahtera Komuniti MADANI programme.
“In Sarawak, the programme is strengthened through registered Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) that possess a JKKK Certificate of Registration. Last year alone, RM100 million was allocated to enhance JKKKs across the state,” she said.
She said this at the Symbolic Handover Ceremony for the Sejahtera Komuniti MADANI Programme Replica Cheque at Hilton Hotel here today (Feb13).
A total of RM1,924,758 has been allocated to the Santubong parliamentary constituency, benefitting the Pantai Damai and Demak Laut state constituencies through the Sejati MADANI programme.
Meanwhile, Nancy, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Santubong, noted that 1,024 JKKKs have received support, with 1,024 approved initiatives under the programme.
“This initiative focuses on five key sectors aimed at boosting community economic growth which include agriculture and food production, sewing and handicrafts, herbal products and health, tourism and hospitality and green initiatives and recycling,
“For instance, in Pantai Damai, which has 45 JKKKs, only 11 applications were approved out of the 13 JKKKs that submitted requests. At present, two new applications are pending, while many JKKKs have yet to apply,
“I encourage all JKKKs that have received funding to make full use of this opportunity. Leverage these resources to generate community income and drive initiatives that align with the MADANI government’s vision.
“The success of this programme depends not only on funding but also on our collective commitment,” she stressed.
She also reminded the public that applications remain open and can be submitted online via the MySejaTi MADANI System at sejatimadani.icu.gov.my.
