SOME 42,097 women have benefitted from the Bantuan e-Kasih Dana Caruman i-Suri, or Baiduri, contribution which involves an allocation of RM2.5 million.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Baiduri, which was introduced in the 2022 Budget, was proof of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Government’s intention to empower women in the State.
Hajiji said the assistance included an initial one-off contribution from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) amounting to RM60 per person to women in the targeted e-Kasih category.
“This initiative aims to ensure the well-being of housewives, besides recognising their contribution to family members and the development of the country.
“By implementing the Baiduri initiative, the State Government gives the opportunity to women (in the e-Kasih category) to benefit RM480 per person from the Federal Government through the EPF,” he said at the launch of the Baiduri initiative in Kota Kinabalu on Mar 1.
Also present were Sabah’s Community Development and People’s Welfare Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, Sabah’s Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim,; State Secretary Datuk Safar Untong and State Federal Secretary Datuk Sarul Bahiyah Abu.
Hajiji also hopes the Baiduri initiative would provide opportunities for women, especially housewives, to venture into business to help them enjoy quality social security and enhance financial security as enjoyed by other EPF members.
The benefits include wide protection for women, not limited to retirement savings but also other facilities such as disability assistance, death assistance as well as withdrawal of contributions at the age of 50, 55 and 60, among others.
The new initiative was introduced specifically for wives to heads of household or women heads of household who are registered with e-Kasih.
“The State Government has allocated RM17.61 million for the implementation of women’s development programmes in the 2022 Budget,” he said, adding that women’s wellbeing will continue to be given attention, especially those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He also urged every woman in the State to always be alert with every change, take advantage of the opportunities provided and gain more knowledge in programmes implemented by the Government.
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