SERIAN: The Welfare Department has channelled RM4.68 million in assistance this year, benefitting nearly 1,000 eligible recipients in the constituency as of June.
Deputy Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam said the amount reflected the government’s commitment to alleviating the people’s burden.
“This demonstrates the government’s concern and efforts to support the community through various welfare schemes.
“In Serian, the aid distribution comprises Elderly Assistance for 689 recipients amounting to RM2,389,200; Children’s Assistance for 255 recipients (RM554,150); Allowance for Disabled Workers for 28 recipients (RM72,450); and Bedridden Patients Assistance for 68 recipients (RM207,000).
“It also includes Assistance for Disabled Persons Unable to Work for 301 recipients (RM521,850); General Assistance for 595 recipients (RM774,600); Foster Child Assistance (RM6,000); and Youth Assistance (RM200).”
Razi said this when officiating the closing ceremony of ‘Program Outreach Santuni Komuniti’ at Kampung Merian Bedup here, Friday (Aug 1).
He said the programme also supported the Sarawak government’s vision under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which emphasises inclusivity and the principle of “no one left behind.”
He said the people’s wellbeing, particularly in terms of social development, must progress in tandem with Sarawak’s economic and physical growth.
He added that Sarawak aimed to become a developed state by 2030 not only in infrastructure and technology but also in building a resilient, knowledgeable, and prosperous society.
“Programmes like this provide the ministry and relevant agencies with the opportunity to step out of their offices, go to the ground, and witness first-hand the challenges faced by the people, while adapting services to actual needs in the field.
“I believe the greatest benefit of this programme lies not merely in the number of registrations or the aid distributed, but in its long-term impact of building trust between the people and the government.
“This is where truly relevant policies are formed, when policies are shaped by the voices of the community and the realities experienced on the ground.”
The programme also involved the participation of 300 individuals, including community leaders, youth, women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PwD), and children.
In addition, government officers and agencies in the constituency were present to deliver information and services directly to the people, eliminating the need for them to visit government offices.
Razi commended the initiative, saying the approach was carried out under the concept of “bringing the government to the people.”
“It was implemented with empathy, recognising that the community required not only material assistance but also access to information, opportunities, and direct engagement with government agencies.
“Programmes like this provide the ministry and relevant agencies with the opportunity to step out of their offices, go to the ground, and witness first-hand the challenges faced by the people, while adapting services to actual needs in the field.”
