DEBAK: A total of 4,686 residents in Betong have benefited from the Social Welfare Assistance (BKS) programme, involving an expenditure of RM1,831,650.
Deputy Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Well-being Development, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam said the number of recipients was recorded as of October this year.
“A total of 153 persons with disabilities have also been registered in Betong, including 56 trainees placed at the Community Rehabilitation Centres in Betong and Saratok, overseen by 12 staff members.,” he said.
“Additionally, 74 active Wellbest Entrepreneurs (UWB) are currently being guided.This year, 35 entrepreneurs have been selected to receive grants under the Economic Development Programme by the Social Welfare Department in the Betong Division.”
He said this during the Outreach Programme: Caring for the Community at Rh. Inchok, Sabar Lama, Jalan Dit, here on Sunday.
He also highlighted that UWB participants, who are productive recipients of financial welfare aid, have each received a RM5,000 launching grant.
“In terms of senior citizen welfare, there are currently 21,818 Kenyalang Gold Card holders in Betong. Meanwhile, 1,493 beneficiaries of deceased cardholders have received one-off Death Compassionate Assistance payments amounting to RM4,339,200 as of October 2024.
“In addition, applications for the Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB), the state government’s latest initiative to provide cashless outpatient facilities at panel clinics or hospitals with a maximum limit of RM500 per person per year, have recorded 473 applications.
“Out of these, 381 applications have been approved,” he said.
He also said that under the Volunteer Community Development Unit, 121 volunteers are registered with the Betong Division Social Welfare Office, and currently, 30 Home Assistance Service personnel have been appointed to serve four clients of the department.
He stated that the unit coordinates the provision of state grants to welfare volunteer organisations to support the implementation of related activities.
“This signature programme will achieve its objectives through the collaboration, support, and efforts of all parties,” he added.
