KUCHING: The state government, through the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS), gave relief aid worth RM10,150 to a family on Thursday (July 2).
Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah handed over the aid to the head of the household, Shamsu Kawie.
Shamsu’s double-storey house in Kampung Semerah Padi was burnt down on June 24, leaving the family of nine homeless.
According to Fatimah, food assistance worth RM450 was handed over to the victims on June 25.
“Today (July 2), we present the remaining assistance through a cheque for RM9,700, which will cover their pocket money, daily clothes, school uniforms and supplies, beddings, kitchenware and construction or rental assistance.
“The aid is in accordance to the Sarawak Disaster Relief Scheme introduced in 2017, which is borne fully by the state government, to assist those affected by disasters such as fire, flood, violent storm, landslide, and drought and so on,” she said, during the presentation of aid to fire victims in Kampung Semerah Padi here.
Fatimah further revealed that up until July 1, Kuching had recorded a total of 35 disaster cases, and a total of RM207,977.80 had been given out to assist victims.
Bau recorded two cases with relief aid valued at RM14,950 while Lundu had one case involving relief aid worth RM8,450.
In another development, Fatimah also shared about various assistance introduced under the ministry such as Endowment Fund Sarawak, Bantuan Ibu Bersalin, Special Annual Grant for early childhood learning institutions, Kenyalang Gold Card and Death Compassionate Assistance as well as special aid for kidney patients.