Deputy Minister: Knowledge key to breaking cycle of poverty

SARIKEI (Feb 10): Knowledge is a long-term investment that never goes to waste, as it enables individuals to build their potential and open up opportunities for a better future, said Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam.

The Deputy Minister of Community Wellbeing Development stressed that children should never be allowed to drop out of school due to poverty.

“We cannot deny that only by mastering knowledge and skills can we break free from the cycle of poverty. However, hope without effort will not bear fruit.

“We have been informed that the Sarawak Welfare Department (JKM) also offers courses and training to broaden knowledge and prepare the children of the department’s clients for employment by fully sponsoring the cost of courses and training under the Skills and Career Training Development Programme (PLKK), specifically for children of JKM aid recipients at local skills institutes.

“In line with this, various companies have collaborated with the department to recommend and offer suitable skills training, and subsequently assist in providing better-paying job opportunities for the children of clients. This will indirectly help aid recipients improve their families’ socio-economic standing,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the Chinese New Year Sejambak Kasih ceremony at the Multipurpose Hall of the Sarawak Government Administrative Centre in Sarikei on Monday.

According to Razi, a total of 580 Chinese aid recipients in the Sarikei Division have been identified to receive festive contributions this year.

He added that the government, through the Welfare Department, continuously strives to channel appropriate assistance to targeted groups.

“This assistance is not only aimed at easing their burden but also as a sign of support to help them move forward with their lives.

“Overall, throughout 2025, under the eight aid schemes implemented, we have successfully channelled assistance to 57,073 cases, involving a total allocation of RM299,784,350.

“In addition, the government has spent more than RM1.3 million per month covering nine major aid schemes such as the Senior Citizen Assistance (BWE), Children’s Assistance (BKK), among others. This clearly shows that the government remains committed to ensuring the welfare of targeted groups remains a priority,” he added.

Also present at the event were Sarikei Division Resident Dato Michael Ronnie Langgong, representative of Sarikei MP Pemanca Chan Pan Chan, representative of the Sarawak Welfare Department director Nurin Chunggat, and representative of the Sarikei District Officer Saeh Han Rong.