Sarawak hopes the CSR program of private companies expands to rural areas

KUCHING, Sept. 19: The Sarawak Government hopes that corporate bodies and private companies can extend the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program to rural areas to ensure that communities in the region also benefit from the contributions made available.

Sarawak Minister of Women, Child Development and Community Welfare Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the CSR programme implemented by private sector in urban areas has been shown to complement the government's efforts in providing support system for those in need, especially young families.

"For those of us in rural areas, it is sometimes difficult to enjoy CSR programs like this because they require additional transportation and costs.

"Although it is not easy, we hope that sponsors and corporate bodies can consider CSR programs that can benefit citizens as well as young couples in rural areas", he said.

He said this during the inauguration of My Little Moments Community Care Program here today, which saw 100 families in Tupong State Legislative Assembly (DUN) area receive RM300 financial assistance along with baby supplies and milk from donations by Farley Group of Companies and various private parties.

Fatimah said the joint implementation of CSR programs by private companies such as Farley Group of Companies, Farm Fresh Milk and Pigeon Malaysia is a prime example in helping target groups as well as complementing various assistance initiatives provided by the state government.

"These combined contributions complement each other.

"When we combine energy and contributions, the results are certainly better and more meaningful for parents with young children", she says.

According to him, the support system from government and private parties is crucial in giving confidence to young couples to build families, given that fertility rate for Sarawak state in 2024 recorded a decline to 1.5 against ideal replacement rate of 2.1.

As such, Fatimah stressed that the Government of Sarawak is committed to providing a range of special assistance from birth stage to higher education to alleviate the financial burden of families.

The aid includes Copy Mother's Aid (BIB) of RM450, an Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS) incentive of RM1,000 for each newborn with K status, a private tuition and tutoring fee subsidy of RM1,000 per year, a Special Taska and Tutoring Grant of RM5,000 per year to entrepreneurs, as well as free education initiatives at state-owned universities starting in 2026.

"Every child born not only increases the population, but they are Sarawak's future workers, entrepreneurs, professionals and leaders of the future", he added. - TVS