MIRI: Applicants of welfare assistance are reminded to notify the Welfare Department of any changes in their address and contact number.
Minister of Welfare, Women and Family Development Datuk Fatimah Abdullah said the matter might seem small but it was still important to notify the department if there were any changes in their address or contact numbers in case they need to call to notify them of the status of their application.
Referring to Rosita Rita Ulok’s claim that her application never saw the light of day, Fatimah said her application was registered with the department which stated her address as ‘Lot 123 Pujut Tanjung 5, Kampung Pujut, Tanjung Batu, Miri’ although she originates from Kampung Dunin, Ulu Tinjar in Baram. There were also two contact numbers given in the application form.
According to Fatimah, the department also checked into the system to see if Rosita had made any application before.
The department received Rosita’s application on 13 May, 2013 and was approved on 11 November, 2013 to receive assistance for her children.
“Unfortunately, both contact numbers were no longer in service. She was also no longer living at the given address.”
The good news is that the department managed to get hold of Rosita’s new address and contact number through the school where her children go to.
Apart from reminding applicants to notify the changes in their address and contact numbers, Fatimah also stressed the importance of asking directly from the officers the status of their application.
Earlier, Fatimah handed over cash, hampers and chickens to 100 monthly recipients of Welfare Department financial assistance to help them prepare for the upcoming Hari Raya.
She also handed over cash for first stage of financial assistance to Rosita.