Bigger welfare assistance in the offing

KUCHING: The state budget to be tabled in November will see an increase in welfare assistance, says Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem.

“With an increase in the state’s revenue we would like to allocate more for welfare assistance next year. We do not know the exact amount yet, but we will announce it in November.

“We also hope that the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development will also push for more at the federal level,” he said at the ‘Sinar Ramadan’ breaking of fast organised by the ministry at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Monday.

Adenan commended its minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim for her ministry’s effort in organising the annual event for the less fortunate while encouraging more financiallyable people to do the same.

“The fasting month is a time for us to lend a helping hand to the less fortunate people in society. For the rich or those with better income, they should also take this opportunity to help the poor.

“In fact, helping the less fortunate should not only be done during Ramadan, but at other times also,” he said.

About 480 people from nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), senior citizens, the disabled and orphans were feted to the breaking of fast dinner. They also received Ramadan goodies from the ministry during the dinner which was also attended by Adenan’s wife Datin Patinggi Puan Sri Dato Jamilah Anu, Minister of Welfare, Women and Family Development Datuk Fatimah Abdullah and Assistant Minister of Early Childhood Education Rosey Yunus.