GOOD news for parents and their schooling children as the State Government has allocated RM26.06 million to continue with the School Social Assistance Programme that will alleviate their financial burden when schooling session starts next year.
Masidi said the programme includes school uniforms, shoes, stationery and water bottles involving 1,075 primary schools, benefiting a total of 291,414 Sabahan children.
It is hoped the assistance will alleviate the financial burden of families and, in turn, encourage parents to send their children to school.
“The State Government acknowledges and values the efforts of welfare volunteer organisations that provide aid and services to specific groups.
“Therefore, RM3.43 million is allocated to the Sabah Community Service Council to coordinate and promote welfare volunteer activities in the State.
“This assistance will also be distributed to welfare volunteer organisations supporting social welfare programmes,” he said.
In helping the less fortunate community which the State Government is deeply concerned, Masidi said RM123.55 million is allocated to manage and implement community welfare programmes to reduce socio-economic inequality and alleviate people’s burden.
Of this amount, RM76.27 million is allocated for General Welfare Assistance for the people with disabilities (OKU), senior citizens, children, orphans and single mothers.
In addition, Masidi said Pusat Perkembangan Kanak-Kanak (PPKK), under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Flagship Initiative, will continue to provide opportunities for children in rural areas to receive early education.
“A total of 835 children have benefited from 35 PPKKs since it was introduced. At the same time, the Homeward Programme, which has currently assisted a total of 970 individuals, will continue to provide support to those who are bedridden and OKU,” he said.
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