E-Kasih more than just a welfare aid programme, says UPP man

MIRI: The e- Kasih system is more than just a welfare aid programme for those in need.

According to United People’s Party ( UPP) Pujut branch chairman Bruce Chai, it also helps the recipients to bring themselves out of the vicious poverty cycle.

“This is because under this system, several programmes have been drawn – all aimed at bringing recipients out of poverty,” he told The Borneo Post during the e- Kasih registration drive ran by UPP Pujut Mobile Action Team ( MAT) here recently.

Chai said his side had been receiving feedback from those in need of assistance, who were still not aware of the important for them to register under e-Kasih.

“The e- Kasih serves as the database of needy families, particularly the hardcore poor ones.

“Apart from financial assistance, the recipients can also apply for others aid programmes such as those for human capital, education and food, as well as rebuilding of or repair works on dilapidated houses.”

Additionally, Chai said under the 1Azam assistance, there are Azam Tani, Azam Khidmat, Azam Niaga and Azam Kerja programmes.

Moreover, the recipients could also apply for the People’s Wellbeing Development Scheme ( SPKR), which hosts the Income Increase Programme ( PPP), schemes related to agriculture and poultry, Skills and Practical Training Programme (PLKK) and sewing training – among others.

Therefore, he encouraged the aid recipients to take this opportunity to explore these schemes.

On the second round of the eKasih registration via , Chai said UPP Pujut had helped 13 families from Piasau Utara and Kampung Pulau Melayu register for the programme via Miri District Office.

“In the latest exercise, we have arranged transportation for them and assisted them during the application process, in collaboration with Miri District Office and the Welfare Department.

“Of the 13 families, three of them were those from the first round of registration and were slated for the final interview. The families applied for business assistance and repair works on houses.”

Chai said the majority of cases received by UPP Pujut were on e-Kasih registration – one was a request for welfare aid by a single father, who has three children.

“It is important to create better awareness among the needy people of the e- Kasih system, where the registration is not all about getting welfare aid – they can also apply for other facilities such as those to help set up a business, for farming and education,” he said.