KUCHING (March 12): A total of 150 welfare aid recipients each received RM100 cash and a hamper from the Welfare Department (JKM) Sarawak at the ‘Sejambak Kasih Hari Raya Aidilfitri’ programme here yesterday.

When met by reporters at the event in Majma Mall here, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah highlighted the state government’s commitment of supporting the welfare of its people, particularly during the festive seasons.

“This year, a total of 4,465 welfare aid recipients in Kuching celebrating Hari Raya will receive an additional RM100, on top of their regular monthly aid.

“The department has also increased the monthly assistance for senior citizens from RM500 to RM600. Hopefully, this increase would help ease the burden of our senior citizens.

“If the state’s revenue continues to grow, we hope to provide even better support in the future,” she said.

The minister added that JKM Sarawak had already allocated over RM49 million in aid distribution within the first two months of this year, with senior citizens being the largest group of recipients.

“Sarawak is projected to become an ageing state by 2028, with senior citizens making up 15 per cent of the population. As such, the number of elderly welfare aid recipients is expected to rise.

“However, the government hopes to see an increase in household income so that fewer people will need financial assistance.”

At yesterday’s event, three individuals received their Kenyalang Gold Cards (KGC), and two others were presented with Persons with Special Needs (PwD) cards.

In addition, four families affected by the fire that struck Kampung Tabuan Lot on March 5 were given assistance by JKM.

“Whenever a disaster occurs, the Welfare Department responds immediately. The first form of aid provided is food assistance. Dry food supplies have already been distributed, along with sleeping essentials and kitchen equipment worth RM11,700.

“Other disaster relief assistance, including pocket money, daily clothing, school uniforms, and school supplies, amounts to RM18,400,” said Fatimah, adding that the Sarawak government had also increased its disaster relief allocation, doubling the daily meal allowance for disaster victims from RM25 to RM50.

Also present yesterday were Fatimah’s deputy ministers Datuk Rosey Yunus and Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam, as well as ministry permanent secretary Datu Felicia Tan.