Triplets qualify for RM3,000 under Sarawak’s EFS, helping mother plan for three futures

Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah (front row, left) interacts with Nurul Atiqkah Basri’s triplet sons during a presentation ceremony as others look on.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, June 8: Raising one child can be financially demanding, but for Nurul Atiqkah Basri, the responsibility comes threefold.

The 27-year-old mother is currently raising triplet boys who will celebrate their first birthday later this month, and while much of her attention is focused on their daily needs, she is already thinking about the long-term costs of education.

For that reason, she views the Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS) as a meaningful initiative that can help families like hers prepare for the future.

“When you have three children of the same age, everything comes in threes. Naturally, you also think about how to support them when they are older,” she said when met after the presentation of EFS at Baitul Makmur 2 building, Kuching, today.

Nurul Atiqkah said the savings provided under EFS may appear modest today, but could become valuable when her sons eventually pursue higher education.

She hopes the funds can be channelled towards helping each child follow his own interests and career aspirations.

The mother admitted she was surprised when she learned that all three of her children qualified for the programme.

“I initially thought only one child would receive the assistance. When I found out each of them would receive RM1,000, it was a pleasant surprise,” she said.

Apart from the EFS allocation, she also benefited from the Bantuan Ibu Bersalin (BIB), which she described as timely assistance for families adjusting to the expenses that come with welcoming a newborn.

Looking back, Nurul Atiqkah said she never imagined becoming a mother to triplets.

The experience has required constant teamwork between family members, especially during late-night feeding and care routines.

“There are times when I am working, so my mother helps take care of the babies. We support each other because caring for three infants at the same time can be exhausting,” she said.

Despite the challenges, she believes initiatives such as EFS demonstrate the Sarawak government’s commitment to investing in the next generation from birth.

Her sons — Aryan Shafiq Mohd Sharyezani, Arfan Shazril Mohd Sharyezani and Aidan Shamil Mohd Sharyezani — will turn one on June 25. — DayakDaily