Expand welfare outreach and youth engagement, Perkim Miri told

MIRI (Jan 25): The Miri branch of the Muslim Welfare Organisation of Malaysia (Perkim) has been urged to continue playing an active role in organising activities and programmes for the betterment of the community.

Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Rosey Yunus said programmes such as the ‘Ku Sentuh Hatimu Remaja’ seminar should be continued as they provide meaningful benefits to youths.

“In today’s increasingly challenging world, where people are often distracted by mobile phones and other gadgets, we sometimes fail to recognise the various problems faced by our youths,” she said.

“That is why I am particularly interested in the ‘Ku Sentuh Hatimu Remaja’ seminar organised by Perkim Miri, as such programmes are able to highlight issues confronting our youths,” she added.

Rosey said this in her address when officiating at the Perkim Miri branch annual general meeting (AGM) here yesterday.

She said among other issues that could be considered for future programmes were courses to address bullying, as well as domestic violence awareness campaigns involving not only women but men as well.

Rosey, who is also the Bekenu assemblywoman, encouraged Perkim members to be actively involved in disseminating information on assistance provided by the Sarawak government so that those in need are aware of and able to apply for the aid.

“Under the Sarawak government led by Premier Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, there are various forms of assistance available for the people of Sarawak, such as the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC),” she said.

Perkim members, she added, can obtain further information on the KGC or other forms of state assistance from the Social Welfare Department.

She noted that helping to disseminate information on available assistance is in itself a form of welfare service to members.

Touching on Perkim Miri, Rosey said although there was no election of new committee members at the AGM this time, she hoped more youths would come forward to join the organisation.

“Youths are the future of the country. Currently, many of Perkim Miri’s members are senior citizens, so we hope more young people will be willing to join the organisation, as they are our hope for the future,” she said.

Also present was Perkim Miri branch chairperson Robiah Hasbi.