DALAT: Some 40 women here received material grant worth RM5,000 each from the Sarawak Women and Family Department (JWKS).
The aid was aimed at assisting them to generate more income.
Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the recipients were among 400 successful applicants statewide who had applied for the grant.
According to her, initially the government allocated RM500,000 for the purpose, then the amount was increased to RM1 million after Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg approved JWKS request following the positive impact of the grant.
She said for this year the government had agreed to increase the amount to RM2 million to assist another 200 applicants.
“It is hoped that the recipients would put the grant to good use as there are other applicants who are unsuccessful, and they (recipients) should understand how they (unsuccessful applicants) feel,” she said when officiating at the presentation of JWKS entrepreneurs material grants at Stadium Perpaduan Dalat here yesterday.
She said the materials grant which was arranged by Dewanita Sarawak, comprised among others, sewing machine, freezer, rice cooker and oven. Each recipient received RM5,000 worth of the grant.
Fatimah who is also Dalat assemblywoman advised the unsuccessful applicants to reapply.
She suggested that they could also apply from the Agriculture Department and other agencies such Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).
The minister reminded the recipients that they would be closely monitored by Dewanita Sarawak for one year, and if there was any problem, assistance would be given accordingly.
According to her, the grant was meant to assist the recipients and their families to increase their income.
JWKS director Noriah Ahmad, Mukah Division Resident Hamdiah Bakir, Dalat District Officer Kueh Lei Poh, Socof Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Samuel John, administrative officer Nolin Gendang who represented Mukah District Officer and Temenggong Hendi Suhai also attended the event.
