KUCHING: The Ministry of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development (KWKPK) is in the process of developing the iSarawakCare system to digitise and integrate initiatives under the ministry.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the system has yet to be completed and is currently in development under the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Socoe Sdn Bhd.
“The components of the iSarawakCare platform allow integration between the relevant state agencies, businesses and community on all kinds of welfare assistance and social services.
“The platform will provide easy access to the people to communicate with us and apply the relevant assistance required — anytime, anywhere,” she said at a press conference at KWKPK office today.
She said the Department of Women and Family Development Sarawak (JWKS) is also committed to empowering women and families in Sarawak through the strengthening of programmes under the six main thrusts of the department.
“Service access will be further expanded through the establishment of JWKS in Limbang and Dalat in addition to the five JWKS in Kuching, Serian, Sarikei, Sibu and Bintulu.
“Under the 12MP (12 Malaysia Plan), JWKS will continue to spread its wings to Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong and Kapit. Meanwhile, the new Wisma Wanita Miri complex will be established to provide services to the JWKS target group in the northern zone of Sarawak,” she added.
From January to December last year, Fatimah said JKMS has channelled expenses of RM176.3 million for some 52,000 monthly aid recipients throughout the state.
“With the presence of Covid-19, the number of aid recipients this year is expected to increase,” she said.
During the same period, she said the department had undertaken a total of 708 disaster relief cases throughout Sarawak with a total expenditure of RM5.4 million which include disasters in the form of fire, landslide, storm, flood and drought.
“In 2021, the ministry will continue to champion the agenda of balanced development so that social inclusivity is given equal importance in all physical and economic development in Sarawak. We will ensure that no one is left out.
“Social investment in existing and appropriate ‘cradle to grave’ social and welfare policies, assistance and services will be continued and developed to enhance community wellbeing. To achieve that, it is vital for the ministry to collaborate and integrate with relevant strategic partners from across public and private sectors, civil society organisations and grassroots communities in a robust manner,” she added.
Fatimah added that her ministry will continue to ensure holistic and balanced early childhood care and education for all children including those with special needs.
“To ensure inclusivity and no child is left behind, children in both urban and rural areas will continue to be given quality care, guidance and education. And as a support for working mothers, SeDidik and JKMS will meticulously look at the establishment of more childcare centres in workplaces.
“The Ministry will continue to organise courses and workshops to enable more early childhood educators to improve their knowledge and skills so that they are better equipped to teach young children under their care. Thus, the government is committed to ensuring that the welfare of our young children is looked into in terms of their care, education, health and safety,” she assured.
