77 asnaf in Kuching villages receive financial aid, food baskets under PSSS programme

KUCHING (Feb 21): A total of 77 asnaf (those eligible to receive tithes) recipients from 11 villages including Kampung Selabat received zakat (tithe) aid and food baskets under the Pusat Sokongan Sosial Setempat (PSSS) Mindness Tour Kasih Counselling and Food Basket Handover Programme.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the initiative reflects the government’s continued commitment to ensuring vulnerable groups are not left behind.

“Through programmes like this, we go to the ground to listen directly to the people and deliver assistance to those who truly need it,” she said during the programme held at the Kampung Selabat community hall here.

Organised by Yayasan Kebajikan Negara, the initiative aims to ease the burden of low-income families through the distribution of food baskets and financial aid.

Nancy stressed that community cooperation plays a vital role in identifying deserving recipients.

“We rely on village leaders and the community to provide information on families who require support. This ensures the assistance reaches the right people,” she said.

She added that beyond financial and food aid, the programme also promotes access to counselling and social support services through PSSS.

“Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a brave step towards safeguarding our own well-being and that of our families,” she said.

At the state level, Nancy revealed that 600 zakat recipients across the Tanjung Datu, Pantai Damai and Demak Laut constituencies have been identified to receive assistance this year.

Meanwhile, a total of 1,033 food baskets were contributed in collaboration with strategic partners, including the Association of Malay Importers and Traders of Motor Vehicles Malaysia (Pekema) and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas).

“This is our way of easing the burden of communities in Tanjung Datu, Pantai Damai, and Demak Laut.

“Such assistance not only helps to meet daily necessities but also provides hope and strength to the community,” she said.

Nancy expressed hope that continued collaboration between government agencies, corporate partners and village communities would further strengthen the social safety net and uplift those in need.