KPWKM Channels Over RM20 Mln To PSK To Assist Vulnerable Groups

KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) has channelled RM20.65 million this year to Voluntary Welfare Organisations (PSK) that provide services to the elderly, the disabled (OKU) and children.

KPWKM Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said the assistance included food and beverages, special allowances for disabled students, volunteer allowances as well as administrative and infrastructure grants.

"The assistance is based on the principle of welfare as a shared responsibility, hence PSK are encouraged to obtain additional funding sources without relying entirely on the government," she said.

Noraini said this during the winding-up session on the debate on the Annual Report and Financial Statement of the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) 2023 for KPWKM at the Dewan Rakyat sitting today.

Regarding the proposal to establish a special ministry for the elderly in preparation for Malaysia as an ageing country, she said the National Senior Citizens Advisory and Legislative Council would be the main platform to coordinate the issue.

Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang, while winding up the debate on the report on the human rights of the Orang Asli, said the government was committed to ensuring that no group was left out in all aspects, including democratic rights.

She said the Orang Asli Department (JAKOA) had implemented various initiatives, including organising awareness campaigns for voters in Orang Asli villages in collaboration with the Election Commission (EC) and civil society organisations to provide a clear understanding of the importance of being a voter.

"To ensure that physical access is not an obstacle, JAKOA also helps to facilitate transportation and logistics, especially for communities in the interior and difficult to access," she said.

While winding up the debate for the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), the relevant Deputy Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu said the government was developing a one-stop centre to standardise the application and approval procedures for premises and hawker licences.

She said the proposal and its implementation method would be presented at the National Council for Local Government (MNKT) Meeting for approval by the state government before being enforced at the local authority level.

Aiman Athirah said KPKT was always proactive and responsive in facilitating business license applications involving premises and hawkers.

-- BERNAMA