Kuala Lumpur: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM), through the Women's Development Department (JPW), implemented 734 programmes nationwide last year to assist women in economic activities, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri reported that 17,290 women benefitted from various programmes, courses, and training, alongside financial management guidance in entrepreneurship.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, among the initiatives implemented to bolster women's economic stability, especially housewives and single mothers, is the Sustainable Development Economy Programme (OMEGA). This program, based on the circular economy concept, is a collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and focuses on skills development. Participants are trained to generate income by creating commercially viable products from waste or used materials.

During the question-and-answer session, Nancy responded to Dr Ahmad Fakhruddin Fakhrurazi (PN-Kuala Kedah), who inquired about support programmes aimed at improving the economic status of women and families who have lost their primary provider. Nancy added that in Kedah alone, 1,043 women, including single mothers, benefitted from 49 implemented programmes.

The OMEGA programme in Kedah reached various areas, such as Alor Setar, Sungai Petani, Padang Serai, Pendang, Lunas, and Baling. In 2024, 27 women from Kedah participated in this programme. Nancy highlighted that more than 65 percent of these participants successfully increased their total income by 50 percent compared to their earnings prior to joining the programme.