SANDAKAN: A total of RM1.2 billion has been allocated by the government through the Social Welfare Department (SWD) to 418,000 eligible recipients across Malaysia last year, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community, Senator Heng Seai Kie.
“From the allocations, Sabah received the highest distribution of aid under the SWD of more than RM221 millions for
57,727 recipients followed by Kedah, Selangor, Johor and Kelantan.
“The assistance are in the form of general assistance scheme, orphan assistance scheme, children, old folks, special needs per sons and bedridden patients, and allowance for disabled workers,” she said adding that the assistance to the poor and disabled has increased.
“From five of the highest recipients, three of the states are governed by opposition. Thus, we deny the allegation made by opposition that the government is not fair in providing assistance to people.
“In an effort to eradicate poverty, the government through its 1Malaysia slogan,” People First, Performance Now” has never forgotten and always take care of people’s needs, ” she said after officiating at the “Cherish Your Health Programme” and Consumer Day at the Multipurpose Hall of SRJK(C) Chi Hwa, here yesterday.
More than 1,000 people were present at the programme which also provided free health screening such as blood pressure, eyes and dental screening to visitors as well as briefing sessions of assistance offered under SWD.
Also present were Sandakan member of parliament, who is also Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister Deparment, Datuk Liew Vui Keong and member of parliament for Batu Sapi, Datin Linda Tsen Thau Lin.
Touching on the programme, Heng said, health and well-being of the body did not come by itself but must be undertaken by each individual.
In this context everyone should understand that health is not simply free from the disease but they include health and physical well-being, mental, social and spiritual.