Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) has channeled RM20.65 million this year to Voluntary Welfare Organisations (PSK) that provide services to the elderly, the disabled (OKU), and children. KPWKM Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad stated that the assistance included food and beverages, special allowances for disabled students, volunteer allowances, as well as administrative and infrastructure grants.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the assistance is based on the principle of welfare as a shared responsibility, encouraging PSK to obtain additional funding sources without relying entirely on the government. Noraini emphasized this during the winding-up session on the debate on the Annual Report and Financial Statement of the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) 2023 for KPWKM at the Dewan Rakyat sitting.
Regarding the proposal to establish a special ministry for the elderly in preparation for Malaysia as an ageing country, she mentioned that the National Senior Citizens Advisory and Legislative Council would serve as the main platform to coordinate the issue.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang, during the debate on the report on the human rights of the Orang Asli, affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring no group is left out in all aspects, including democratic rights. She noted that the Orang Asli Department (JAKOA) had implemented initiatives such as awareness campaigns for voters in Orang Asli villages, in collaboration with the Election Commission (EC) and civil society organizations, to provide a clear understanding of the importance of being a voter.
Furthermore, to ensure that physical access is not an obstacle, JAKOA also assists in facilitating transportation and logistics, especially for communities in the interior and difficult-to-access areas.
In the same session, Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu highlighted the government's efforts to develop a one-stop center to standardize the application and approval procedures for premises and hawker licenses. She indicated that the proposal and its implementation method would be presented at the National Council for Local Government (MNKT) Meeting for state government approval before being enforced at the local authority level. Aiman Athirah emphasized that KPKT remains proactive and responsive in facilitating business license applications involving premises and hawkers.