SANDAKAN: The Government should review the criteria for e-Kasih aid distribution by expanding assistance to those affected by disasters such as fires or floods that result in the loss of their homes.
Upko Wanita Chief Mohina Ronnie Sidom said she received numerous complaints from individuals struggling to obtain assistance because they are not listed under the e-Kasih programme.
According to records, as of last February, 72,058 heads of households (KIR) in the State have been registered as poor or hardcore poor under e-Kasih.
“When disasters like fires occur, some individuals are unable to receive the necessary aid, including assistance for rebuilding or repairing their homes, as well as housing aid programmes.
“This is because they are not listed in the e-Kasih registry,” she said in a statement.
Mohina, who is also Kinabatangan Upko Division Chief, urged the Government to reassess and relax the selection criteria to improve the wellbeing of the people in the State.
She also recommended that the State Government ensure the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Friendly Housing Programme, which has been launched in all 73 State Assembly constituencies, is implemented transparently.
“We must ensure that those affected by disasters or hardships but are not listed under e-Kasih still receive attention. “I believe there are many people struggling due to disasters but are overlooked simply because they are not included in e-Kasih,” she said.
Mohina said this effort requires collaboration at all levels between grassroots leaders and government agencies to ensure that aid reaches those who truly deserve and need it.