KUCHING: A total of RM1,662,400 has been set aside to provide cash assistance to 16,624 needy people under the Sejambak Kasih Aidilfitri 2024 programme.
Women, Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said this Sarawak Welfare Department (JKM) initiative aims to support families during the festive season.
Over 42 per cent or 4,524, of the total recipients from the Kuching Division are set to receive the aid for Eid celebrations.
On Saturday a total of 150 beneficiaries received RM100 in cash along with RM80 worth of hampers under the programme.
Towards this end, Fatimah lauded the programme’s organisation, which has been ongoing for over 20 years, emphasising its significance as a signature initiative of the Sarawak JKM.
“While every state in Malaysia has a department for social welfare, Sarawak is the only state that organises the Sejambak Kasih programme during Chinese New Year, Aidilfitri, Gawai, Christmas, and Deepavali.”
“In this programme, we provide assistance to recipients who are already receiving monthly aid from the department.
“Sarawak’s economy is steady. When income is steady, what is acquired by the government can be given back to the people. And this is one way the state government gives back to the people,” she said during the event at Darul Hana Mosque on Saturday (March 16).
Additionally, Fatimah said from January to February 2024, the Sarawak JKM disbursed RM42,963,250 to 54,040 individuals across the state.
She said in the Kuching Division alone, RM4,250,000 was allocated to assist 10,601 beneficiaries from January to March 2024.
On the same note, Fatimah emphasised the department’s focus on economic development, aiming to lift recipients out of poverty by providing opportunities beyond monthly assistance.
This, she said, includes grants of RM5,000 to start businesses and funding skills training courses such as on oil and gas and scaffolding, with the aim of offering employment opportunities.
“While the Sarawak government enjoys a high income, household earnings have yet to match this level.
“Therefore, it is imperative that we collectively work towards enhancing the economy. Offering grants and facilitating training courses for children can contribute significantly to boosting family income.
“Our aim is to empower children to become agents of change in elevating their family’s financial well-being,” she added.
As such, she urged residents to take advantage of these programmes, saying it is important to improve household incomes and ensure the success of future generations.
