08-05-2025
Welfare Dept distributes over RM51 mln in aid to 21,604 recipients as of April
Gira (third right) hands over a hamper to a recipient, witnessed by Mohamad Razi (centre).
SIBU (May 8): The Sarawak Welfare Department has disbursed approximately RM51 million in assistance to 21,604 monthly aid recipients across the state as of April this year, said Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam.
The Deputy Minister for Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Development said the government remains committed to channelling appropriate assistance to targeted groups and eligible individuals.
'This assistance is not only aimed at easing the burden of recipients but also serves as moral support, encouraging them to continue striving for a better life,' he said during the Sejambak Kasih Hari Gawai 2025 event at the Selangau Multipurpose Hall today.
Elaborating, he said there are currently eight aid schemes in Sarawak, namely Elderly Assistance, Children's Assistance, General Assistance, Allowance for Disabled Workers, Assistance for Non-Working Disabled Persons, Care Assistance for Bedridden Disabled Persons/Chronic Patients, Foster Child Assistance, and Youth and Young Women Assistance.
'We also have a 'top-up' system from the Sarawak government, which means the state does not rely entirely on federal government allocations but supplements the assistance provided,' he said.
Mohamad Razi urged parents and community members to be aware of the available government aid schemes, especially for children born with disabilities or those categorised as Persons with Disabilities (PwD).
'Please go for check-ups at hospitals and obtain specialist confirmation to classify them as PwD. Then apply for the PwD card through the Welfare Department or the nearest welfare office.
'Do not hide the fact if you have family members who qualify as a PwD. Similarly, those who become disabled later in life, for example due to an accident and are unable to work, should also obtain a doctor's certification and apply for the PwD card to qualify for assistance.'
On the Sejambak Kasih Hari Gawai 2025 programme, the deputy minister said the Welfare Department has been providing RM100 in cash contributions and RM80 worth of festive hampers to recipients for over 20 years.
He explained that the contribution aims to ease the financial burden of recipients as they prepare for festive celebrations.
'We want to ensure disadvantaged groups can also experience the festive atmosphere, especially with the upcoming Gawai celebration. Most importantly, this programme strengthens the bond between implementing agencies such as the Welfare Department and the aid recipients,' he said.
He also advised recipients to use the assistance wisely and take it as motivation to improve their quality of life.
'Let this assistance remind us of the importance of gratitude and mutual support. Life's challenges may be difficult, but every sincere effort we make will bear fruit.'
Also present at the event was Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang. razi sitam Sibu Welfare Department
