Cradle & Motherhood: Sarawak’s Lifelong Care for Families

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By Marlynda Meraw

“EFS is a new approach we have embarked on to improve the social development of the people. This fund, meant to provide a positive impact on society, is a gesture from the State government in giving back to the people. All qualified Sarawakian newborns are entitled to the EFS, regardless of social status. With newborn statistics in Sarawak averaging 40,000 per year, (at the rate of RM1,000) we are looking to spend some RM40 million annually, but this is about improving the social standard and giving back to the people.” Abang Johari (January 16, 2019)

IN Sarawak, the birth of a child is not only a momentous occasion for the family but also a significant event for the community and the State. Recognising that today’s newborns are tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and contributors to society, the Sarawak government has implemented initiatives to ensure that every child is afforded a promising start in life. Acknowledging the importance of investing in the future, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg headed the Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at securing the financial well-being of Sarawakian children from birth.

A Future Secured with Endowment Fund Sarawak

Launched in 2019, the Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS) is a visionary initiative that provides a one-time allocation of RM1,000 in the form of a trust fund for every Sarawakian newborn. This fund becomes accessible when the child turns 18, serving as a financial foundation for pursuits such as higher education, starting a career, or initiating a small business. The EFS applies universally to all Sarawakian children, regardless of race, religion, or socio-economic background. Eligibility encompasses children born both within and outside Sarawak, provided that at least one parent holds a Sarawakian status. This comprehensive coverage underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind, embodying the principle that every Sarawakian has a stake in the State’s progress and prosperity.

The implementation of the EFS aligns with the broader agenda to empower the next generation. By fostering financial literacy and encouraging long-term planning, the EFS introduces Sarawakians to the concept of sustainable wealth management from an early age. Parents and guardians are inspired to plan ahead, fostering a culture of prudence and preparation within Sarawakian households. In 2019, the year of its implementation, 80 per cent of 36,117 newborns were registered. The following year, the application rate increased to 85 per cent before dropping drastically to 69 per cent during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development reported that between the launch of EFS in 2019 and December 2021, a total of 81,926 accounts had been registered, involving RM81.9 million.

By 2022, between January and November, 24,814 babies were registered, involving an allocation of RM24.8 million. EFS applications in 2023 had slowed down, with only 20,303 or 66 per cent out of 30,657 Sarawakian newborns registered as of November 30, 2023. This led to Fatimah resolving that more efforts needed to be made to promote and create awareness on EFS through collaboration with strategic partners such as Mother and Child Clinics in hospitals throughout the State. Despite the fluctuation in registration, Abang Johari has continued to prioritise the initiative through annual allocation since its inception. In 2020, the Sarawak government allocated RM43.269 million for EFS. The amount included RM30 million as an additional allocation to the RM13.269 million carried forward from 2019 implementation. In 2023, the EFS initiative was allocated another RM50 million and in the following years of 2024 and 2025, RM15 million respectively. By May 31, 2023, a total of 94,781 EFS accounts were opened.

Care Beyond Birth

Aside from the EFS, under Abang Johari’s governance, the Sarawak government, through the Ministry of Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development, introduced the Bantuan Ibu Bersalin (BIB) initiative or Post-Natal Care Assistance initiative. The incentive which was introduced at the end of 2019, will see the Sarawak government giving RM450 to each mother after giving birth, starting January 1, 2020. RM18 million was allocated for the first year of implementation. This assistance addresses essential needs such as healthy nutrition and self-care during the confinement period, ensuring that mothers can recover and bond with their newborns without undue financial stress. For BIB, since it was initiated in 2020, the reception was relatively poor with only 65 per cent of new mothers registering. As of June 26, 2020, a total of 14,600 mothers had benefited from the initiative.

Due to active promotion, the figure climbed to 83 per cent in 2021. In 2022, however, there was a drop in BIB applications to 80 per cent of the total number of 26,687 mothers giving birth in Sarawak. Eligibility for the BIB is straightforward, ensuring accessibility for a broad demographic. Malaysian mothers with a ‘K’ status identity card, or those married to ‘K’ status holders, qualify for the assistance. The grant applies to pregnancies reaching 22 weeks and beyond, and is available regardless whether the child is born within or outside Sarawak. This demonstrates the government’s recognition of the vital role mothers play in nurturing the future generation.

The BIB is more than just a financial aid programme; it is a gesture of care and acknowledgement. By relieving some of the costs associated with confinement and recovery, the BIB allows mothers to focus on their well-being and their newborns. The grant’s flexibility ensures it can cater to a range of needs, from medical expenses to nutritional support, further enriching the mother’s recovery experience. In 2024, a total of RM16 million has been allocated to ensure 36,000 mothers may be benefited from the initiative while in 2023, the allocation was RM15 million.

Together, the EFS and BIB form a cohesive framework that highlights the Sarawak government’s universal approach to social welfare. By addressing the needs of both newborns and mothers, these financial aids mirror a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of family well-being. The dual focus ensures that both the beginning of a child’s journey and the mother’s transition into parenthood are supported. These programmes also represent the government’s commitment to fostering a caring society. By placing the welfare of its citizens at the forefront, Sarawak affirms that true progress lies not only in infrastructure or economic gains but in the strength and well-being of its people.

The content featured here is an excerpt from the book “Rise of Sarawak: Abang Johari’s Era of Transformation”, published by Sage Salute Sdn Bhd.

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