THE Sarawak government has allocated RM27.12 million to implement various socio economic projects in Song under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said this includes RM24.9 million for 116 projects the under Rural Transformation Project (RTP).
“Another RM1 million has been allocated for 129 projects under the Sarawak Poor Home Improvement Project (PPRMS),” she said in reply to Lidam Assan (GPS-Katibas) during the question-and-answer session today.
Lidam had earlier asked the ministry on the steps taken to reduce poverty within the Song district considering it has been declared as one of the poorest districts, according to Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) 2020 data.
Fatimah said the government is undertaking a multi-dimensional approach to tackle poverty issues especially in the rural areas.
“This includes the provision of basic infrastructures and utilities, capacity building, access to health and education services, housing and various socioeconomic projects.
“In addition, a sum of RM1.22 million has been allocated for socioeconomic development in Song district under the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA).
“These include entrepreneurship, inland fisheries development, skills training and community support programmes for poor households in the district,” said Fatimah.
Apart from that, at the micro level, the minister added that various aids are given specifically to benefit the poor in Song district.
“As of March 2024, 739 individuals from poor families receives monthly financial assistance through the Welfare Department under various schemes such as Bantuan Warga Emas, Bantuan Kanak-Kanak, Bantuan Pekerja OKU, Penjagaan Pesakit Terlantar, Bantuan OKU Tidak Bekerja and others.
“Through various initiatives by the government, implemented by the ministry, 26 early education institutions received a grant of RM5,000 per year to provide balanced food to children which also benefit those from poor families,” she added.
Fatimah also said that in Song district, as of April 2024, 508 children have successfully opened their endowment fund scheme account and 327 new mothers have received RM450 each.
