Anomalies in aid distribution being addressed, says Fatimah (Video)

KUCHING (March 17): Ensuring social assistance reaches the right recipients can be challenging, with occasional anomalies arising during the distribution process, said Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.

The Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development said several programmes under the ministry, including post-natal assistance, the Endowment Fund and the Kenyalang Gold Card, sometimes encounter such irregularities.

“When these occur, they must be managed as anomalies. The names of affected individuals need to be submitted at the district or division level before being forwarded to the Sarawak Economic Planning Unit (EPU),” she told reporters at the Community Social Support Centre (CSSC) here on Tuesday.

She noted that discrepancies often lead to questions from beneficiaries.

“For instance, if someone received assistance last year, why not this year? These anomalies can happen in certain situations,” she said.

Fatimah cited changes in household status as one example, explaining that assistance is categorised into households, senior citizens and single individuals.

“Previously, the husband may have been the head of household. If he passes away, the wife may question why she no longer receives aid.

“In such cases, the wife becomes the new head of household, and this must be updated accordingly,” she said.

She added that household assistance is for those earning RM5,000 and below, with beneficiary lists compiled using Inland Revenue Board data to ensure transparency and accuracy.

“The next eligible head of household must be reported to the district committee to avoid discrepancy,” she said, stressing that the government aims to ensure all eligible recipients receive support.

Fatimah said guidelines are in p lace to manage such cases, noting that anomalies are often due to specific circumstances that require resolution.

On the CSSC, she said its establishment reflects the Sarawak government’s efforts to strengthen support systems for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and vulnerable communities.

“We have been given five years to utilise this building, with next year being the final year before we assess our next steps,” she said.

She added that centre is made available free-of-charge for NGOs, agencies and ministries to conduct shared activities.

The CSSC provides services including awareness, advocacy, treatment, rehabilitation and referrals for individuals, families and communities facing social issues.

“It also serves as a first point for social information reporting, enabling early detection of cases and providing guidance and counselling during crises,” she said.

Fatimah added that the centre focuses on capacity development for vulnerable groups, including women, persons with disabilities and senior citizens, with counselling sessions conducted in designated pods.

Temporary shelter is also available for domestic violence victims, with NGOs such as Sarawak Women for Women Society (SWWS) assisting with shelter and support services.

On food aid, she said the centre operates a soup kitchen in collaboration with the Society for Kuching Urban Poor (SKUP), serving vulnerable and low-income groups.

“There are also individuals who collect food for bedridden family members, which is as long as eligibility guidelines are met,” she said.

Fatimah noted that community and corporate donations have enabled the centre to expand from providing one free meal a day to also offering breakfast.

A food bank supported by public contributions is also available, with food baskets distributed to those in need, including the homeless and single mothers.

According to CSSC Kuching reports, the soup kitchen currently serves 44 clients, while food aid reaches 50 recipients. Temporary shelter services have assisted 27 domestic violence victims, and a total of 653 social cases have been managed.

“In addition, 760 programmes covering awareness, advocacy, prevention, group counselling and capacity development have been conducted,” Fatimah said.

Looking ahead, she said expansion efforts are ongoing, with a CSSC in Sibu expected to begin operations next month.

“In Bintulu, the temporary transit centre (TTG) and CSSC will be located under one roof, with operations targeted to start in May,” she said.

She added that while Miri currently only has a TTG, plans for a CSSC are still pending.

“In Kuching, the TTG is located at Jalan P Ramlee, while the CSSC is at Jalan Abell.

“In Sibu, the facilities are separate, with the TTG located at the former Maksak building and the CSSC at Sri Rajang.

“In Bintulu, they are located side by side, while in Sri Aman, a site for the CSSC has already been identified,” she said.