SIBU: The perception that Lembaga Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Sarawak (PERYATIM) is only for the Muslim community needs to be changed, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
The Petra Jaya Member of Parliament stressed that PERYATIM was opened to children of all races and not only for Muslim children.
“Sometimes there are families who are unable to take care of orphans either their children, grandchildren, niece or nephew. So, they can send the child here to be taken care of. During the school holiday they will return to their home,” he said.
He said this in his speech during his visit today to Kompleks Kebajikan Juma’ani Tuanku Haji Bujang, the last venue for his official working trip here.
During the visit, he also had a luncheon with the children at the complex.
Fadillah also noted that the state government always gave its full support and help in ensuring that PERYATIM could run smoothly in terms of the infrastructure and facilities in order to cater to all the needs of the children.
“When I arrived, I noticed the roads are not tarred and I will send an expert to fix this road.
“For others (infrastructure of facilities) that need to be improved, we can discuss it further and please send me an official letter in regards to the needs of this complex, especially for the children’s education,” he said.
Fadillah allocated a grant totalling RM100,000 to the complex for its activities and pledged to give his full commitment in terms of assistance.
To date, a total of 50 children (30 boys, 20 girls) are living in PERYATIM Sibu.
Also present was Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
