S’wak approves hiring federal staff for state Welfare Dept
KUCHING: The Sarawak government has in principle approved the recruitment of federal staff to fill positions in the state Welfare Department.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the federal government will assist with the transition process through discussions to take place soon.
“Both the state and federal governments have principally agreed on the terms, but there are several technicalities that we need to look into such as salary and positions,” he said at the opening of the State Welfare Carnival on Friday night.
Abang Johari explained that the technicalities will need to be resolved to ensure more efficient and effective outcomes especially for Welfare Department clients.
“What is important now is for these issues to meet solutions, and in the end to see a stronger team for the state Welfare Department,” he said.
On another matter, Abang Johari announced a grant of RM500,000 for the Ministry of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development headed by Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.
“The allocation will be made available as start-up capital to entrepreneurs who were clients of the Welfare Department, for them to venture into business and become part of the small and medium scale enterprises,” he explained.
In her welcoming remarks, Fatimah said the carnival aimed to further strengthen collaboration and strategic ties between various agencies and the Welfare Department.
“The carnival aims to act as a platform to further disseminate any services offered and at the same time to assist our clients who have their own products and services to be brought to the masses,” she added.
The event also saw the presentation of awards to those who have contributed to welfare and community service in the state.