Race, social status or religion not an issue, but they must be Sarawakians
KUCHING: Newborn Sarawakian children will be given a one-off incentive of RM1,000 each irrespective of ethnicity, religious beliefs or social status from next year.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, who tabled the Supply (2019) Bill at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting here yesterday, said the incentive could only be withdrawn upon attaining the age of 18.
“The state government has decided to introduce a new policy and it is meant for their further education or as capital to pursue their career,” Abang Johari, who is also Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, said.
Commenting on the incentive, Welfare, Community Well-being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the incentive would definitely benefit the new generation in Sarawak.
She admitted that it was one way for the state to achieve higher birth rates.
“If the incentive can help boost the state’s birth rate and population, we welcome it because our current population of 2.7 million is still low,
“However, this does not mean that we will change our stand on minimum marriage age of 18 years. Couples must register their marriages according to our existing laws and register their newborn children,” she added.
Fatimah, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Women chief, said the incentive was proof of the government’s sincerity and commitment under Abang Johari to improve the wellbeing of not only the present population but also prepare well ahead for future generations. “Each Sarawakian child born brings new hope of strengthening the family unit. It’s the duty of parents, the community and the government to provide quality education right from early childhood.
“They must have access to quality early childhood education, healthy nutrition, safety, and savings for their further education or capital seeds for their career. This is the first of such fund for all Sarawakian children regardless of race, socioeconomic status, and political affiliation, “ she said.
Fatimah added the movement would continue to go to the ground and approach the people at the grassroots level to give information on matters that were touched by the Chief Minister during his budget speech.
She said the issues would be on the future and wellbeing of the people, especially on women, family and child development.
