Ministry: Community-Based Organisation directory to be extended nationwide

SIBU (Sept 19): The Community-Based Organisation (CBO) directory will be expanded to all districts and states nationwide, said federal Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM).

Its secretary-general Datuk Dr Maziah Che Yusoff, who represented Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri at the launching of KPWKM@Sarawak CBO programme here yesterday, said this move was essential so as to facilitate access to information and speed up action to help communities in need.

“This applies especially to the Social Welfare Department (JKM) which plays an important role as the frontline of the government towards developing a prosperous and a self-reliant society with a caring culture.”

“The ministry cannot shoulder this responsibility alone, and that is why we need to approach the community because they know more about what is happening in their local community,” she said.

The government, she said, had initially set up the CBO directory which contained names and contact numbers that can be reached during incidents, especially in abuse, neglect, and domestic violence cases.

“The directory acts as a guide and reference that can help people who need support or assistance, especially the KPWKM’s target groups such as women, children, families, the elderly and the disabled,” she said.

According to her, CBO members consist of strategic partners of JKM, including various committees and welfare volunteers from the Senior Citizens Activity Centre (PAWE), Community Rehabilitation Centre (PPDK), Child Protection Team (PPKK), and members of the public.

“They are strategic partners of JKM in nurturing and protecting target groups under KPWKM and are exposed to important knowledge and skills to carry out their roles,” said Dr Maziah, in highlighting the CBO members’ roles in protecting the targeted vulnerable groups.

Present at the event were JKM Malaysia deputy director general (Strategic) Rosmahwati Ishak; JKM Sarawak deputy director Mohd Ali Taib; Sibu Division Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman; and community leader Temenggong Stanley Gramong.