BAU: Five thousand and seventy Sarawakian newborn babies have registered for the Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS), an initiative launched by the state government.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the incentive last year.
The EFS incentive of RM1,000 is given to each newborns whose parents are of Sarawak origin, beginning January this year irrespective of race, religion or socio-economic status.
State Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Child Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the objective of EFS was to provide savings for eligible children to prepare for their further education to colleges and universities or small business venture.
“The EFS incentive is managed by Bank Islam and can only be withdrawn when the children reach the age of 18,” said Fatimah at “Majlis Sejambak Kasih Hari Gawai & Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2019, Majlis Penyerahan Endownment Fund Sarawak” at Kampung Kaman, Krokong Bau multi-purpose hall here on Sunday.
“Majlis Penyerahan Endownment Fund Sarawak” at Kampung Kaman, Krokong Bau multi-purpose hall on Sunday.
She said in the event of death, the money would be paid to the beneficiaries.
Fatimah advised parents to register their children’s births at the nearest National Registration Department (NRD) offices throughout the state, adding that the department had 52 branch offices in Sarawak.
“Fill in the registration forms and submit them to the nearest National Registration Department office for further action,” she said.
For those born outside the state, Fatimah said the births must be registered at the Malaysian Embassy Office to confirm their Malaysian citizenship before their applications are submitted to the Sarawak National Registration Department headquarters.
She said as of April 25 this year, 11,508 babies were born in Sarawak and from the number, 10,317 (89.65 per cent) were Anak Sarawak (K status) and 5,070 (49.14 per cent) had registered for EFS.
