KAPIT – The Ministry of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing (KPWK) has reaffirmed its commitment to rural development through its Outreach Programme, which was held in Kapit this week.
Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the initiative reflects the government’s determination to ensure rural communities are not left behind in the state’s development agenda. She described the programme as a grassroots approach that brings services directly to the people.
“This programme is not just a scheduled event, but proof that the government comes to the people, not the people come to the government,” she said during her speech on Wednesday.
The outreach involved 17 agencies and strategic partners, offering services in areas such as social welfare, healthcare, education, registration and entrepreneurship.
Among the schemes introduced were the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC), Benevolence Death Assistance (BIK), Maternity Assistance (BIB), Sarawak Endowment Fund (EFS), WellBest Launch Grant (GP) and the State Grant Assistance for Voluntary Welfare Organisations (PSK).
Pelagus State Assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang praised the initiative, noting that it not only delivered assistance but also strengthened trust between the government and the people.
“Efforts like this are not just about delivering assistance, but building trust and strengthening the relationship between the government and the people,” he said.
Looking ahead, Dato Sri Fatimah announced several new measures to be introduced in 2026. These include:
- Free education for Sarawak children.
- An annual grant of RM5,000 to each Early Childhood Education Institution, covering 18,381 institutions with a total allocation of RM91.9 million.
- A subsidy of RM1,000 for households earning RM7,000 and below.
- An additional RM139 million allocation for the Sarawak Endowment Fund (EFS).
She also revealed that as of September 2025, the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS) had disbursed RM224,008,150 in monthly assistance, underscoring the state government’s ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable groups.
The outreach programme is part of a wider strategy by KPWK to expand its reach across Sarawak. According to recent announcements, the ministry plans to extend similar initiatives to more zones in the coming year, ensuring that government policies and services are delivered directly to communities in both urban and rural areas.
By combining welfare support, education initiatives and community engagement, the programme is seen as a long-term investment in social wellbeing, strengthening the link between the government and the people it serves.
