State Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah (second right) presenting a Chinese New Year angpow and hamper to a recipient at the Sejambak Kasih programme in Kuching on Tuesday (Feb 3). - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Sarawak will continue to prioritise the welfare of disadvantaged and needy groups, including during festive seasons, says a state minister.
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said this aligns with the state government's principle of inclusivity, which aims to ensure that no one is left behind.
"With the peace and stability we enjoy in Sarawak, the government can focus on developing the state and looking after the people's wellbeing.
"My ministry is responsible for ensuring that the disadvantaged are also given attention so that no needy Sarawakian misses out on the necessary assistance," she said at the Sejambak Kasih programme for Chinese New Year here on Tuesday (Feb 3).
In line with this, Fatimah said Sejambak Kasih was organised annually by the state Welfare Department to present angpows and hampers to recipients of monthly welfare aid across Sarawak.
"We do this not only during Chinese New Year but also for other festive occasions, including Hari Raya, Gawai Dayak and Deepavali," she said.
During the ceremony, Fatimah handed out RM100 angpows and food hampers valued at RM80 to 150 recipients from the Kuching division.
They were among 2,729 monthly welfare recipients in Kuching who celebrated Chinese New Year, out of 10,883.
For those not present at the ceremony, the Sejambak Kasih assistance will be credited into their bank accounts, Fatimah said.
She said the Welfare Department channelled RM57.3mil in assistance to the 10,883 recipients in Kuching last year under various welfare schemes.
Across Sarawak, 57,073 people received a total of RM299.8mil in monthly assistance last year.
Meanwhile, Fatimah called on the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) to pilot a healthy ageing community project that provides amenities for senior citizens.
She said studies indicated that Sarawak would become an ageing state by 2028, when over 15% of the state's population will be 60 years and above.
"MBKS was the first local council in Sarawak to adopt a child-friendly city initiative.
"Now we would like to propose to MBKS to set an example for age-friendly cities," she said.
