43 per cent of JKM beneficiaries now depend on WellBest

KUCHING, 1 Oct: As many as 43 per cent of participants in the Sarawak Department of Social Welfare (DWW) WellBest Entrepreneurs Program have achieved set success targets including switching from beneficiaries of welfare assistance to self-sufficient entrepreneurs.

Deputy Minister of Sarawak Community Welfare Development, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam said that achievement was among the main objectives of the programme in helping beneficiaries of welfare assistance build a source of income through entrepreneurship.

"JKM Sarawak along with all the Public Welfare Offices in every department across Sarawak have been working to produce WellBest entrepreneurs. It's said that 43 percent have reached the goal we set for success.

"Many who used to be beneficiaries of welfare are now out of the welfare system. They are already self-sufficient and are no longer beneficiaries of welfare", he said as he met the media at the Business Matching Walkabout programme in conjunction with Sarawak's 2026 Carnival Wellbest at the Metrocity Event Centre (MCEC) here today.

According to him, the carnival which is taking place today till 4 October will bring together 100 entrepreneurs from across Sarawak to introduce and expand their product markets.

He said the entrepreneurs consisted of single mothers and persons with disabilities (OKU) guided through various entrepreneurial programs in collaboration with Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED) and National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN).

"We're guiding them from the very beginning until they can get a business license and run their own business.

"Some of them were former beneficiaries of welfare but now no longer receive aid because they have achieved their set income targets", he added.

In the meantime, Sarawak Wellbest Carnival 2026 aims for a total sales of RM500,000 over its four days of organising.

According to Razi, the target is also a platform for measuring the performance of entrepreneurs who showcase a range of products including dry food, wet food, food and beverages as well as offering services such as orders, spas and nail treatments. - TVS