Govt Allocates RM3.5 Mln To Empower Single Mothers Under KasihnITa 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- The government, through the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM), has allocated RM3.5 million to expand the implementation of the KASIH Ibu Tunggal programme (KasihnITa) 2026 nationwide.

Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the expansion targets the participation of 5,000 single mothers across 13 states, following the programme’s strong performance last year.

“This expansion is driven by the programme’s encouraging achievements in 2025, when nearly 1,900 single mothers took part across six zones nationwide.

“The government is committed to ensuring that single mothers are not left behind in the nation’s development through a comprehensive approach,” she told a press conference here today.

Nancy said the programme is designed to build participants’ capacity through three core modules, namely legal literacy, financial management and literacy, and psychosocial development.

She said last year’s statistics showed a high level of effectiveness, with 95 per cent of participants demonstrating better understanding of women’s rights and legal aspects, while 93 per cent were able to apply financial management knowledge and reported improved self-confidence.

In addition, Nancy said 90 legal aid cases were successfully handled, with allocations channelled to assist single mothers in claiming and defending their rights.

“KasihnITa is not merely a training programme, but a long-term government investment in the future of single mothers and their families. Every skill and knowledge gained is a step towards a more stable and self-reliant life,” she said.

For 2026, the programme will be implemented in two phases, namely Phase One conducted online, covering advocacy and introductory sessions, followed by Phase Two conducted physically.

Registration for the programme is open from Feb 1 to April 20 this year.

Nancy also said legal aid assistance will continue to be extended to eligible participants, with an allocation of RM2 million expected to benefit 500 new cases.

“This year, the eligibility criteria for legal aid recipients will be refined to ensure that assistance reaches those who truly need it,” she said.

KasihnITa is a rebranding of the Kasih Ibu Tunggal programme introduced in 2023, and has since been strengthened as one of the key initiatives supporting the National Women’s Policy and the Women’s Development Action Plan 2025-2030.

-- BERNAMA