KUCHING: The Sarawak government is a government that cares for the less fortunate, says Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.

The state Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development (KWKPK) Minister stressed that under Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s leadership, various assistance had been given to Sarawakians, including grants, training and guidance.

“The less fortunate and special needs individuals (OKUs) are not marginalised. Their interests and potentials are identified, while their capabilities are also developed by the state government,” she said in her welcoming address at the Welfare Micro Entrepreneurs Day (HUMK) celebration and OKU Day organised by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) here on Thursday (Nov 11).

Fatimah added that the togetherness and involvement of various parties such as government, corporate bodies, private sector, parents, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and individuals should continue.

“We must work together to help the elderly, children with disabilities and single mothers, and help empower them.”

Commenting on the event, she said that it recognised the achievements of Sarawakian OKUs specifically in the field of sports.

Apart from that, it also paid tribute to the Micro Welfare Entrepreneurs (UMK) who are successful and resilient despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as NGOs working to look after the welfare of senior citizens who have contributed to the development and wellbeing of the target group.