KUCHING – Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Dato’ Sri Nancy Shukri, has called on community leaders and strategic partners to strengthen their role as agents of change in addressing social challenges at the grassroots level.
Speaking at the launch of the National Welfare Foundation (YKN) Local Social Support Centre (PSSS) Friends Programme: Leaders and Caring Strategic Partners, Nancy emphasised the importance of synergy between community leaders and the corporate sector.
She noted that such collaboration is vital to ensuring that social safety nets are delivered effectively to those most in need.
“Community leaders need to act as mobilisers and liaisons to ensure that PSSS services reach those in need,” she said.
The PSSS initiative functions as a comprehensive support platform, offering professional counselling and social interventions to address issues such as mental health, domestic violence, abuse, bullying, and sexual harassment.
Nancy highlighted that these services are designed to provide immediate and practical assistance to vulnerable groups.
She also stressed that YKN welcomes strategic collaboration from various parties to enhance the effectiveness of community support.
Contributions in the form of funding, technical expertise, and strategic partnerships have already strengthened YKN’s ability to deliver high-impact programmes across Malaysia.
The event, attended by around 200 community leaders from the Santubong parliamentary constituency, aimed to appoint participants as ‘Friends’ of the PSSS under YKN.
Through this initiative, leaders will act as direct links between communities and support services, ensuring that assistance reaches those who require it most.
Participants were also engaged in a talk session titled Prosperous Leaders, Happy Communities and Acting Wisely (Cyber Crimes), which provided insights into leadership responsibilities and the growing challenges posed by online threats.
Among those present were YKN Chief Executive Officer Nordina Haron, Kuching North Mayor Dato’ Hilmy Othman, President of the Malaysian Malay Vehicle Importers and Dealers Association (PEKEMA) Dato’ Ismail Saufi, and Director-General of the Women’s Development Department Hanani Sapit.
Their attendance reflected the broad support for initiatives aimed at strengthening community resilience and inclusivity.
Nancy concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting community leaders in their efforts to address social issues.
She stressed that inclusivity, transparency, and accountability must remain central to all initiatives, ensuring that public trust is upheld while communities continue to thrive.
