SELANGAU: A total of RM98,816,400 in aid has been disbursed by the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKM) to 55,184 recipients across the state from January to April this year.
Women, Childhood and Community Well-being Development Deputy Minister, Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam, said the aid included various schemes such as Senior Citizens Aid (BWE), Children’s Aid (BKK), General Aid, Allowances for Disabled Workers (EPOKU), Aid for the Care of Disabled/Bedridden Chronic Patients (BPT), Aid for Non-Working Disabled (BTB), Foster Child Aid (BAP), and Youth Aid (BBB).
“This assistance not only helps ease their financial burden but also serves as moral support for them to live better lives,” he said during the Sejambak Kasih Gawai event in Selangau today.
Meanwhile, on the Sejambak Kasih Gawai programme, he said a total of 24,101 recipients throughout Sarawak will benefit from it.
“Kuching has 2,896 recipients, Samarahan 993, Serian 2,176, Sri Aman 4,359, Betong 2,376, Sarikei 1,673, Sibu 2,871, Mukah 819, Kapit 2,878, Bintulu 1,362, Miri 1,134, and Limbang 564,” he said.
He added that JKM has been providing festive cash assistance of RM100 and hampers worth RM80 to eligible recipients for over 20 years.
“The purpose is to help lessen their financial burden while preparing for the festive season.
“It is also to ensure that underprivileged groups get to experience the festive atmosphere and strengthen ties between the department and aid recipients,” he added.
He stressed that the aid reflects the government’s commitment to caring for the people.
“Use the aid wisely and let it inspire efforts to improve your quality of life. Let it also remind us of the importance of gratitude and mutual support. No matter how tough life may be, every sincere effort will eventually bear fruit,” he said.
