KUCHING: The Economic Development Programme implemented by the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS) continues to show positive outcomes, having successfully produced 773 entrepreneurs from among welfare recipients across the state.
Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the success proved that the welfare programme is not just about providing financial assistance, but also serves as a catalyst for the economic transformation of vulnerable communities towards an independent life.
“The government is always committed and serious about producing entrepreneurs from monthly welfare recipients through the provision of grants and guidance in a structured and continuous manner,” she said during the closing ceremony of Sarawak Wellbest Carnival 2025 here recently.
Since the implementation of the programme from 2020 to 2024, a total of 2,135 aid recipients have received entrepreneurship grants with a total allocation of RM10.6 million.
A maximum grant worth RM5,000 is given in the form of equipment to household members who are still healthy and productive, to assist in starting small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).
According to Fatimah, participants who receive the grant will be guided for two years, required to attend courses according to the prescribed modules and encouraged to participate in sales activities such as the Wellbest Carnival which is held annually.
As of September 2025, 81 per cent of the target of 410 new entrepreneurs has been approved while 117 entrepreneurs have been successfully released through two sessions of the Release Panel Meeting held this year.
The number of entrepreneurs still under the guidance of JKMS is now 653, with active involvement in various sales and carnivals at the district level.
