KUCHING: The Sarawak Social Development Council has channeled grants totaling RM410,000 to the senior citizens activity centres (Pawe), senior citizens service centres (PPWE), community-based rehabilitation centres (PDK) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Sarawak.

Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said there were 11 Pawe, 14 PPWEs, and 55 PDKs in Sarawak.

“Therefore of the total grant, RM50,000 was disbursed to PAWE Kuching and Sri Satok, PPWE Kuching and Petra Jaya, PDK Sinar Harapan Baru, Batu Kawah, Mutiara Hati Matang, Sri Satok, Sentuhan Kasih, and Petra Jaya which each received RM5,000.

“Sarawak Hun Nam Siang Tng received a grant of RM10,000,” she said during the handing over of grants to the recipient organisations held at the Sri Satok PDK today.

Fatimah explained that PPWE and Pawe were institutions that care for senior citizens in Sarawak, where Pawe receives allocation from the Federal government and PPWE from the Sarawak government.

“Today we decided to give the grant to compliment what has already been given by the federal government through the Social Development Council.

“It is hoped that with the additional allocation, the respective centres will utilise the fund to add value to their services,” she said.

She urged senior citizens to always remain vigilant in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, and hoped the situation in Kuching would improve so that the institutions could resume their activities.

Commenting on the increase in monthly payment for PDK supervisors and staff announced by Finance Minister Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz in Budget 2021, she said the 297 staff and 55 supervisors in 55 PDKs throughout Sarawak would benefit from the increment.

“The assistance for the operation of Pawe has also been increased from RM33,000 to RM50,000,” she said.