LABUAN: A total of RM3.2 million was channelled to welfare recipients over the past year compared with the RM2.7 million the previous year.
The increase in amount of aid is due to the rise in recipients from 1,006 people in 2011 to 1,084 last year.
Labuan Social Welfare Department (JKM) director Zulkiflie Hassan said the increase in the number of recipients should not be seen as an increase in the number of poor people, but as a result of monitoring and a more effective approach.
“The Welfare Department in collaboration with the village leaders will continue to monitor and seek information from local residents about those among the community who need help,” he told Bernama yesterday.
Zulkiflie said various types of welfare assistance have been prepared, which covers assistance to persons with different abilities (OKU), unemployed OKUs, senior citizens, poor orphaned children, single mothers and allowance for OKU workers, with a total aid of RM150 to RM450 a month.
This aid is temporary and only for a period of 12 months.
“Before the aid comes to an end, the recipient will be asked to apply for an extension and a review process will be conducted with the help of a questionnaire to assess whether the recipient is eligible for continuation of the assistance or otherwise,” said Zulkiflie.
Meanwhile, a total of RM255,520 will be handed out to 1,073 welfare recipients this month. — Bernama