KUCHING: It turns out that a fair bit of confusion regarding the mechanism and form of the Sarawak Endowment Fund (SEF) has been detected by the state Ministry Of Welfare, Community Well-Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development.
Hence, the ministry held a press conference and briefing yesterday to correct the wrong perception that the fund is a cash gift.
As the misunderstanding has upset parents, the ministry saw the need for the briefing and press conference to nip the problem in the bud.
The ministry through close cooperation with the National Registration Department (NRD), Sarawak detected the misconceptions since January 1 and persisted despite the wide media coverage following the official launch of the fund by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg on January 16.
The endowment scheme, which was first announced by the Chief Minister on November 5, 2018 during his budget speech in the State Legislative Assembly, is intended for all Sarawakian children born on and after January 1 this year.
During the press conference, Datuk Sri Fatimah Abdullah, who is Welfare, Community Well-being, Woman, Family and Childhood Development Minister, called upon the media, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other organisations to disseminate more accurate information to the targeted groups to stop the confusion.
Fatimah explained that in order to be eligible for the endowment scheme a baby must be a Malaysian citizen born in or outside Sarawak with either parents having the “K” on their National Registration Identification Card (NRIC). This also applies to babies adopted by Sarawakians as long as they possess the proper adoption certificates.
“Even children of single mothers who had their children out of wedlock are entitled to the fund as long as the mothers are citizens of Malaysia having ‘K’ on their identification cards,” said Fatimah
When applying for the fund, applicants within the country need to go to the nearest NRD office. For those overseas, applications can be made at any Malaysian High Commission or consulate offices.
After the completed forms have been properly submitted to the NRD offices they are submitted to Bank Islam for processing. Successful applicants will be notified by mail sent to their registered home addresses to ask them to collect the certificates at the nearest Bank Islam branch.
Upon reaching the age of 18 an endowment holder can collect his/her fund using his or her NRIC. If the holder dies before the age of 18, the parents can withdraw the money to be used as funeral expenses.
Fatimah said feedback or grouses concerning the fund can be directed through their toll-free 24-hour hotline 1800-22-5566.
Kota Samarahan Member of Parliament Rubiah Wang was also present at the press conference cum briefing together with heads of departments under the ministry and a representative of Bank Islam.
