BETONG: The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state government does not only focus on the physical development but also on the holistic development of the rakyat, says Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Women chief lauds the initiatives provided as no other states are doing the same.
“In the Ministry of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development (KWKPK) for instance, there are various assistance and aid for the wellbeing of Sarawakians from cradle to grave.
“Some of the assistance are Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS), a one-off assistance of RM1,000 to each baby born; Maternity Assistance (BIB), a one-off assistance of RM450 to maternity mothers which can be applied within three months from their discharge date; special annual grant (GTK) for Early Childhood Institution (ECI); Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) for senior citizens aged 60 and above; Death Compassionate Assistance (BIK); Kidney Patient Assistance (BPBP); and many more.”
She said this in her speech during the briefing of government initiatives under KWKPK Betong Division at the Spaoh Community Hall on Monday (Nov 15).
Commenting further, she disclosed that welfare assistance would not be reduced and that the state government was determined to continue many more initiatives.
“We are truly grateful for the efforts done by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as he managed to find a way to increase Sarawak’s income by at least RM3bil a year.
“Hence, now Sarawak is able to stand on its own under the GPS symbol and enjoy the infrastructure built by the GPS government for the rakyat. With this, the rural areas will not be marginalised as we have a planned development for them.”
With the increase of the poverty line income (PGK) next year by the federal government, she also hoped that more than 50,000 Sarawakians would be eligible for welfare assistance.
