KUCHING: The Sarawak Single Mothers Association (PITSA) is advised to explore opportunities and spaces available in various fields provided by the Sarawak government.
Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah suggested that these opportunities should be utilised to enhance income, especially for the members of the association.
“I suggest that in 2024, PITSA should consider venturing into various fields at each branch in Sarawak, such as agriculture. When we talk about agriculture, it doesn’t necessarily involve using a hoe, but there are projects where PITSA can apply to the Department of Agriculture for things like fertigation. From there, single mothers can be trained, and they can increase their income,” she said.
She made these remarks after meeting with PITSA representatives at her office in the Baitulmakmur II Building here.
Fatimah explained that the current opportunities are meant to encourage and assist single mothers. She emphasised that single mothers should proactively seek ways to obtain assistance from government agencies like the Sarawak Women and Family Department (JWKS), the Department of Agriculture, and others.
“We encourage single mothers to be self-reliant with their capabilities and skills,” she added, mentioning that single mothers can also apply for child financial aid through JWKS.
Up to this point, PITSA has more than 14,000 members and has 56 branches throughout Sarawak. The members include widows, divorced women, women abandoned by their husbands even without divorce papers, and unmarried women who care for mothers and adoptive children.
Regarding the visit, it aimed to introduce the newly appointed committee members after the association’s annual general meeting in June.
Additionally, the visit led by PITSA president Salmah Ibrahim aimed to report on the association’s planned activities and inform the ministry about current developments related to the association.
