SARIKEI – Seven recipients of the Micro Welfare Entrepreneurs (UMK) initiative were recognised during a visit and plaque presentation held in conjunction with the Sarawakku Sayang 2026 Sarikei Division Programme on 8 August 2026.
The plaques were presented by Minister of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Hajah Fatimah Abdullah during a visit to Sarikei Kitchen & Sales.
The visit was held as part of the Sarawakku Sayang 2026 Sarikei Division Programme at the Sarikei Sports Complex.
The seven recipients recognised during the session were involved in different entrepreneurial activities, reflecting the range of small businesses supported through the UMK initiative.
They were Fariana binti Faizal of Fariana Enterprise, Rakbah binti Ibrahim, Lily anak Enggang of Kraftangan Borneo Mdm Lily, Susiana anak Maringgai of Native Code, Gema anak Opay, Jani anak Sampai of Federriz Enterprise, and Latifah binti Abdullah of Kak Let’s Pantry.
The presentation provided an opportunity to recognise the efforts of the recipients in developing their respective businesses and generating income for their families.
Their businesses represent different areas of entrepreneurship, including enterprise activities, handicrafts, food-related ventures and other forms of income-generating work.
The visit also focused on the progress made by UMK recipients in using entrepreneurial activities to strengthen their household income and improve their socio-economic circumstances.
Fatimah was accompanied during the visit by several senior officials from the Ministry of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) and the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS).
Among those present were KPWK Permanent Secretary Puan Nur Alina Abdullah @ Colliner Gohe and JKMS Director Tuan Haji Semawi bin Haji Mohamad.
Sarawak Women and Family Department (JWKS) Director Sharifah Zakiah binti Tuanku Haji Pauzi and JKMS Deputy Director Puan Hajah Norhayati binti Haji Abdul Rahman also attended the session.
Sarikei Division Social Welfare Officer Encik Tang Kee Lee, together with staff from the Sarikei Division Social Welfare Office, was also present.
The officials were able to observe the businesses and activities being carried out by the recipients while reviewing the progress associated with the support provided under the UMK initiative.
The Micro Welfare Entrepreneurs initiative forms part of the efforts of JKMS to assist people in need through economic empowerment.
Rather than focusing solely on direct welfare assistance, the initiative provides support aimed at helping eligible recipients develop income-generating activities and work towards greater financial independence.
For the seven recipients recognised in Sarikei, entrepreneurship provides an avenue to generate income while developing skills and business activities that can contribute to their families’ livelihoods.
The businesses also demonstrate how small-scale entrepreneurial activities can form part of broader efforts to improve household socio-economic conditions.
The plaque presentation served as recognition of the recipients’ participation and efforts while highlighting the role of entrepreneurship in welfare and community development.
The Sarawak Government has continued to promote empowerment approaches within its social welfare programmes, with initiatives such as UMK intended to help people in need improve their living conditions through economic opportunities.
The approach places emphasis on enabling recipients to build greater independence and strengthen their ability to support themselves and their families.
The seven entrepreneurs recognised during the Sarikei programme therefore represent the practical side of the UMK initiative, with each recipient pursuing their own form of business activity.
The visit also provided an opportunity for welfare officials to assess the progress and outcomes of the recipients’ entrepreneurial efforts.
Through initiatives supporting economic development, JKMS seeks to strengthen the social protection network while creating opportunities for people in need to participate in income-generating activities.
The presentation of plaques to the seven recipients formed part of the Sarawakku Sayang 2026 Sarikei Division Programme and highlighted entrepreneurship as one avenue for strengthening the socio-economic wellbeing of families in the community.
