KUCHING: In line with its aspiration of preserving a prosperous society and dignified existence, the Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Ministry (KWKPK) aims to move forward based on five core aspects, including the post Covid-19 recovery plan.
KWKPK Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said another key area of focus involved policies, facilities, and services in preparation for the aging nation through collaboration with MyAgeing Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia.
“The third aspect is integrated system digitalisation using iSarawakCare which will be completed next year to facilitate and accelerate the delivery of services and facilities to customers.”
She said the fourth focus area was addressing the increasingly complex expectations and hopes of the community towards the welfare services provided by the ministry.
“Another key aspect is improving the Sarawak Social Wellbeing Index (SSWI) based on the 10 pillars of social wellbeing measured.”
She said this in her speech at KWKPK’s 10th anniversary celebration, which was officiated at by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at The Waterfront Hotel here on Wednesday (Oct 6).
Fatimah noted that since KWKPK’s establishment on Sept 30, 2011, the portfolio and functions of the ministry had expanded.
“The ministry’s target groups have been expanded to include children, women, families, those with disabilities, the homeless, and the elderly, in addition to addressing social issues that threaten the wellbeing of the people.”
She added that the ministry’s workforce had grown from 28 to 77 over the years and the ministry was now more capable to plan policies and implement activities and intervention programmes.
“However, with more new challenges, we are now looking into the restructuring and expansion of the ministry’s manpower to enable us to manage new areas of responsibilities and challenges faced by our three agencies — Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS), Sarawak Women and Family Department (JWKS), and Social Development Council (MPS).”
She also shared on the achievements of KWKPK resulting from the concerted efforts of the ministry’s staff members and strategic partners.
During her speech, she expressed her gratitude to the chief minister for his commitment to realise the agenda of prospering the people.
“We also thank the chief minister for the allocation of RM5 million to fund the medical expenses of the low-income group. We sincerely hope that such allocations will continue.”
Fatimah also expressed KWKPK’s appreciation for the efforts and cooperation of their strategic partners, including the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), State Health Department (JKNS), Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), non-government organisations (NGOs), the private sector, and many more.
She thanked KWKPK staff members for their contribution in realising the vision and mission of the ministry.
