Yee (right) explaining to a senior citizen how to apply for welfare aid during a visit to the latter’s home in Taman Seroja, Slim River. Also present are Irisan (second from right) and Sri Balamurugan Temple chairman V. Sugumaran (third from right).
THERE is still lack of awareness of the various government schemes available to the underprivileged in Tanjung Malim, Perak, a social activist says.
Non-governmental organisation (NGO) Tanjung Malim Community Volunteers and Welfare Team founder Yee Jee Kwong said many needy folk, especially those among the Chinese, Indian and Orang Asli communities, still do not know about the available schemes.
“They do not know the application procedures and documentation required.
“While some of our efforts to assist applicants have been highlighted in newspapers and on social media, awareness of government welfare aid for those in need is still quite low,” said Yee, after visiting five less fortunate families in Slim River.
He said people continued asking him about the types of welfare aid available and other initiatives they could benefit from.
Yee said what was available include general assistance, aid for children and allowances for working people with disabilities.
“There is also aid for disabled folk who are unable to work, senior citizens and caregivers’ assistance for chronically ill patients,” said the former Social Welfare Department (JKM) officer.
“Those who have successfully applied for aid with JKM can also get free medical services and treatments at all government hospitals.”
Yee said people wanting to apply for the relevant assistance schemes must be Malaysian.
“Some of the documentation required to apply for the respective schemes include the applicant’s MyKad, utility bills, medical reports, spouse’s death certificate and disability card.
“The welfare officer may request additional documents; approval will be given if conditions are met.
“Those needing help should seek advice from their respective village chiefs, community leaders, local councillors, MPs, assemblymen or local political parties aligned with the ruling government.”
Yee said his team was formed in 2017 to provide assistance and advice to those seeking help.
“We always work closely with the Muallim, Batang Padang and Kampar district JKM offices.
“We’ve assisted more than 100 families in Muallim, Kampar, Hilir Perak and even Hulu Selangor districts to get help,” he said, adding that there were currently 10 active volunteers in his team.
On the visit to Slim River, Yee said he was invited by Tanjung Malim MIC deputy chief R. Irisan to assess how he could assist the respective families.
“They require financial aid, healthcare and other essential things,” he said.
“Some of them are being supported by some NGOs and other relevant organisations after failing to get help from their local representatives,” he added.
