KOTA KINABALU: For many single mothers and widows in Kepayan, the harsh reality is that they are not poor enough to qualify for welfare, yet not financially stable to manage on their own, says Jannie Lasimbang (pic).
The Kepayan assemblyman said that despite juggling two jobs and raising children on their own, these women find themselves excluded from key aid programmes like e-Kasih, which targets only the poorest households.
“These women are not idle. They work hard, some in multiple jobs, just to keep food on the table. But the system does not see them,” she said in her debate speech during the Sabah state legislative assembly sitting on Tuesday (April 15).
She pointed out that many fall into a grey area, not qualifying for aid because they earn just slightly above the poverty threshold, yet struggling with mounting costs, lack of childcare, and no safety net during family emergencies.
“They do not ask for pity. They only ask for the chance to raise their children with dignity and some relief in their daily struggles,” she said.
Lasimbang, therefore, urged the state government to consider a special childcare assistance scheme for working single mothers and widows, saying such support could ease their burdens and empower them to remain in the workforce.
On a separate note, she welcomed the establishment of the Sabah Autism Centre and called for greater support for children with disabilities (OKU), including more consistent funding for non-governmental organisations providing essential services.
“For children with autism, therapy in Special Education Integration Programmes only begins at age six, but early intervention is crucial,” she said, hoping the centre would offer therapy as early as age three or four.
Lasimbang also questioned whether the government had plans to provide psychosocial support for parents raising autistic children, noting the emotional and social stress many face.
She further proposed the creation of day-care centres for senior citizens in Kepayan, to be managed by local women’s groups.
This, she said, could serve as both an empowerment initiative and a support system for unpaid caregivers who juggle work while caring for elderly parents.
On human capital development, Lasimbang voiced her support for initiatives like Sentosa and Sukses, but urged for better outreach to ensure rural students are not left behind.
“Many still miss out due to a lack of information or the inability to pursue higher education after SPM or STPM. Schools, in collaboration with the state government, should play a more proactive role in guiding students toward further education,” she said.
