SIBU: A total of RM254 million was spent on welfare assistances for the poor and persons with disabilities (OKU) in Sarawak by the state and federal government.
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said an amount of RM120 million was spent to assist 20,922 senior citizens.
This was followed by financial aid for OKUs worth RM34 million for 10,074 recipients.
Meanwhile, RM33 million was spent on child assistance for more than 7,800 recipients.
Fatimah said the Ministry aims to ensure welfare recipients would be self-sufficient, earning a monthly income that is above the poverty line.
“We want to increase their income so that they no longer need monthly assistance from the government. That is what we want,” she said at the Chinese New Year Sejambak Kasih programme held at a hotel here yesterday (Feb 1).
The Dalat assemblywoman said that a number of programmes were conducted under various agencies and departments to enhance the income of recipients so that they can become self-reliant in the future.
On the Sejambak Kasih programme, Fatimah said a total of 100 recipients were given RM100 cash assistance and a hamper for the upcoming Chinese New Year festive season.
She said through the programme a total of 1,764 recipients from Sibu will receive the assistance in time for the New Year celebration.
“Throughout Sarawak, a total of 7,656 individuals will receive the same assistance this year with a total fund of RM756,600 allocated,” she said.
Also present was Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek.
