KUCHING: The Sarawak Government through the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) continues to strengthen efforts to assist vulnerable groups facing cost of living pressures through the distribution of monthly welfare financial assistance, which has a direct impact on the wellbeing of recipients across the state.

Its Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said as of 30 April 2026, a total of 56,585 recipients have benefited from the assistance with an allocation of RM101.4 million.

“This assistance is channelled directly to recipients to ease their cost of living burden, particularly in facing current challenges,” she said during her ministerial winding-up session at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Tuesday.

In addition to monthly financial assistance, she also said the state government is implementing Targeted Healthcare Assistance to ensure more comprehensive access to treatment for those in need.

As of 30 April 2026, the initiative has benefited 334 kidney patients at a cost of RM7.53 million, Medical Assistance provided to 59 recipients costing RM850,000, and Prosthetic and Assistive Device Assistance benefiting 47 recipients with a cost of RM130,000.

According to her, the Sarawak Government has also improved its medical assistance scheme through the financing of Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan) imaging to expand patients’ access to more modern and accurate cancer diagnostic technology.

“This improvement demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring a more inclusive and responsive healthcare support system that meets the needs of the people,” she said.

In addition, Dato Sri Fatimah said the Sarawak Government has allocated RM13.7 million for disaster management and assistance distribution in 2026 through the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS), to ensure aid can be delivered more quickly to affected victims across the state.

“From January to April 2026, JKMS has distributed disaster assistance amounting to RM6.9 million to 68,483 victims across Sarawak, reflecting the efficiency of the state’s welfare response system in handling emergencies effectively,” she explained. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Gabriel Rommy
Photo: Ibanez Jeffery
Translator: Uilson Ng