KUCHING: A total of 77 asnaf recipients from 11 villages in Kampung Selabat and its surrounding areas received food baskets from Yayasan Kebajikan Negara (YKN) as part of continued efforts to assist communities in need.
Federal Minister for Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, said such assistance not only helps ease daily burdens but also provides hope and strength to the community.
“It reflects the ongoing efforts of the government and its strategic partners to ensure that no one is left behind, and that every community continues to be supported and empowered.
“I also encourage villagers to work closely with community leaders to provide feedback on their needs and on specific services required, particularly regarding infrastructure that may be lacking in our area and requires improvement, including houses that need repairs.
“t is hoped that this cooperation will continue, enabling us to expedite assistance and make it easier to deliver help where it is needed most,” she said during the ‘Mindness Tour PSSS Kasih Counselling Programme and Food Basket Handover’ event held at the Dewan Serbaguna Kampung Selabat in Demak Laut on today (Feb 21).
She added that this programme is an initiative by the YKN to go to the ground, hear directly from the people, and ensure that support is delivered straight to the community.
She stressed that mental health must be given the same priority as physical health because every individual inevitably faces stress and life challenges.
According to Nancy, several serious criminal cases have been identified as stemming from untreated mental health problems.
“When incidents such as killing one’s own family members or others occur, we often find that they are caused by mental health issues.
“Therefore, we must all take responsibility for caring for one another, including among neighbours, so that we remain aware of what is happening around us.
“That is why we are strengthening the activities and programmes of this social support centre,” she said
For the record, she also said that 600 zakat recipients across three constituencies, namely Tanjong Datu, Pantai Damai and Demak Laut, have been identified to receive assistance this year.
