RM60 mln for monthly welfare assistance

KUCHING: The Sarawak Social Welfare Department has spent RM60,299,956 on 50,952 recipients of monthly assistance in the state within the first three months of this year.

Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said those who needed help were usually referred to the department.

“The highest number of recipients is under the Elderly Persons Assistance; there are 19,584 people receiving this aid. Meanwhile, there are 10,632 recipients of the general assistance. 

“Assistance for the disabled is divided into two categories, namely assistance for the disabled (OKU) who are incapable of working and the OKU workers’ allowance (EPC).

“There are 7,841 recipients for the first aid and 3,339 recipients for the second aid.”

Fatimah said this when officiating at the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) strategic partners appreciation ceremony and presentation of welfare aid ceremony held at Waterfront Hotel here on Monday (March 29).

She added the assistance that was always applied for was the Child Assistance (BKK) which was given to single parents to help them raise their children. There are 7,656 recipients of such aid.

“Assistance is also provided for carers of bedridden OKU or chronically ill patients. There are 1,880 recipients of this aid.

“We also have four recipients of Bantuan Belia dan Beliawanis (BBB) and 16 recipients of Bantuan Anak Pelihara (BAP),” she explained.

Fatimah added that the department staff had to monitor and submit reports on the channelling of assistance from time to time.

“We will discontinue the aid for those who do not need it anymore,” she said.