FROM January to October 2022, a total of 53,040 recipients of welfare assistance had been registered in Sarawak, with 2,988 recipients from Serian Division.
A total of RM205,493,020 was allotted for the entire Sarawak aid scheme, with RM11,215,900 of that sum given to recipients in Serian.
Mohamad Razi Sitam (GPS-Saribas) noted that welfare assistance was provided on a temporary basis to individuals and families in productive or unproductive circles who are incapable and in need of assistance in order for them to regain their independence or maintain a higher standard of life.
“Every new complete application submitted must be completed within two weeks, and the decision, whether granted or not, must be notified within one month of the application date.
“The case officer must evaluate each aid application as well as the entire documents that have been registered, to determine eligibility for aid consideration (means-tested).
“The case officer’s investigation must consider the following points based on the suitability of the matter being investigated, if applicable; economy, education, health, housing, and skills/training.”
Razi, who is also the Community Wellbeing Deputy Minister, said this in response to a query from Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus on the fourth day of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) session on Thursday (Nov 24).
Thus, he said, the applicant/next of kin/referrer shall be advised of the application’s outcome, whether passed or failed, in writing and/or by phone call within one month of the day the application was registered.
Applications would be investigated and considered based on qualifications rather than rights, regardless of race, religion, or gender, he added.
