SERIAN: The Sarawak government has allocated RM1.3 million to support flood victims and welfare aid recipients in Serian.
Deputy Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak Datuk Mohd Razi Sitam said the annual Majlis Sejambak Kasih Hari Raya Aidilfitri programme, organised by the Sarawak Welfare Department, aims to ease the financial burden of aid recipients ahead of Hari Raya.
“A total of 100 out of 250 welfare aid recipients celebrating Aidilfitri in Serian Division attended the event, each receiving RM100 in cash and a food hamper worth RM80,” he said at the event on Wednesday (Mar 19).
“Meanwhile, those unable to attend will have their cash assistance credited directly into their bank accounts.”
Additionally, various other forms of aid were distributed, including wheelchair assistance, OKU (persons with disabilities) cards, school assistance, prosthetic and support equipment, Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) benefits, death compassionate assistance, and special aid from KGC strategic partners and SCHB Panel Clinics.
Mohd Razi further revealed that RM1.3 million had been allocated to support victims of the severe flooding that affected Serian between Jan 28 and Feb 6.
The floods resulted in the activation of 21 temporary evacuation centres (PPS), accommodating 834 families and 2,700 individuals, with a total of RM729,524.70 distributed in aid.
Furthermore, 44 villages that were completely cut off received dry food assistance for 2,908 families, covering 13,521 individuals, amounting to RM584,041 in total.
Mohd Razi also extended his gratitude to all government agencies involved in the flood relief efforts, including security forces and welfare workers who worked tirelessly to assist victims throughout the crisis.
