RM249.2 mln monthly welfare aid disbursed to 56,660 recipients as of Oct 2025

Fatimah delivering her ministerial winding up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting on Dec 2, 2025. Photo credit: Ukas

By Marlynda Meraw

KUCHING, Dec 2: A total of RM249.2 million out of the RM295.5 million allocated for Sarawak’s monthly welfare financial assistance in 2025 has been disbursed to 56,660 recipients.

Minister for Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the monthly aid, channelled through the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS) continues to strengthen the State’s social safety net for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (OKU), children, and low-income households.

“Beginning 2025, JKMS continues to strengthen governance and improve the efficiency of assistance management through the integration of the Social Welfare Assistance Management (SWAM) and Sarawak Accounting System (SAS), accelerating payments from 14 days to just five days,” she said during her ministerial winding up speech today.

Fatimah, who is also Dalat assemblywoman, highlighted targeted health assistance provided up to October 2025, totalling RM6.5 million.

This includes support for 312 kidney patients under the Renal Patients Assistance Scheme, 81 patients under the Medical Assistance Scheme, and 75 patients under the Prosthetics/Support Equipment Assistance Scheme.

Ahead of the 2025/2026 Northeast Monsoon, Fatimah told the august House that JKMS has identified 658 Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) statewide.

Essential relief supplies for disaster victims are stocked at the Samarahan Central Storage Depot, as well as mini depots in Mukah, Kapit, Miri and Lawas District.

“In addition, stocks of basic necessities are also available at 12 Divisional and District Welfare Offices, as well as 24 Disaster Response Bases in Sarawak,” she said. — DayakDaily