Fatimah: Inclusive development remains govt priority

KUCHING (Feb 4): The Sarawak government will continue to prioritise the well-being of the people by placing social inclusivity at the core of the state’s development, ensuring that no one is left behind, said Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.

Speaking at the Chinese New Year Sejambak Kasih 2026 programme at the Kuching South City Hall (MBKS) community hall here on Tuesday, the Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister said the programme is not only held in conjunction with Chinese New Year but also during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Gawai Dayak, and Deepavali.

The initiative symbolises social justice and unity among Sarawak’s multiracial community.

“For this event, 150 monthly welfare aid recipients were feted, each receiving RM100 in cash assistance and a food hamper worth RM80.

“For this year, a total of 2,729 Chinese recipients out of 10,883 monthly aid recipients in the Kuching division are celebrating Chinese New Year, with all eligible recipients entitled to receive RM100 in ang pow, including those who did not attend the event,” she said.

Fatimah said the figures reflect the Sarawak government’s commitment to the welfare of the people regardless of background.

“At the state level, a total of 57,073 individuals received monthly assistance with allocations of nearly RM300 million throughout 2025, while in Kuching alone, RM57.28 million was allocated for 10,883 recipients.

“The assistance covers various schemes including aid for single mothers, single parents, persons with disabilities, bedridden patients, senior citizens, and the urban poor,” she said.

In addition to financial aid, she said the government provides a comprehensive social support system through facilities such as the Homeless Transit Centre, Community Social Support Centres, soup kitchens, food banks, and job matching programmes.

“These measures ensure vulnerable groups receive holistic assistance and not merely financial aid.

“The state government also places special focus on senior citizens through initiatives such as the Kenyalang Gold Card, Senior Citizen Health Benefit, and regular health screenings,” she added.

According to Fatimah, the Sarawak Social Well-being Index Study 2024 showed that the well-being level of senior citizens stood at an index score of 7.13, reflecting positive achievements while indicating room for improvement.

“Sarawak’s stability and security allow the state government to focus on economic development, basic infrastructure, and increasing people’s income.

“As such, the Sarawak government will continue to ensure that the underprivileged and marginalised are not left out of the development agenda,” she said.