Nancy presents a basic necessities kit to a recipient during the event. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (June 13): The Welfare Department (JKM) has officially launched the implementation of its online Welfare Assistance Management System (eBantuanJKM) in Sarawak, aimed at enhancing the efficiency and integrity of federal financial aid delivery in the state.
JKM director-general Datuk Che Murad Sayang Ramjan said the event was held to recognise the significant contributions of stakeholders involved in the system’s rollout in Sarawak.
“This programme is intended to acknowledge those involved in the successful rollout of the eBantuanJKM system in Sarawak, particularly officers and staff from divisional and district welfare offices who manage federal welfare assistance,” he said.
Che Murad also thanked the Accountant General’s Department of Malaysia (JANM) for their role in integrating the federal government’s financial and accounting system (iGFMAS) with eBantuanJKM.
Recognition was also extended to the Federal Secretary for Sarawak and the Sarawak government for their support in facilitating implementation across the state.
He emphasised that financial assistance remains a core service of JKM, helping targeted communities sustain a decent quality of life.
“There are currently 11 financial aid schemes under JKM and these include the Children Assistance (BKK), Elderly Assistance (BWE), and the Disabled Workers Allowance (EPOKU), the Assistance for Non-Working Persons with Disabilities (BTB), Care Assistance for Bedridden Disabled or Chronic Patients (BPT), and the Federal General Assistance (BA).
“Other schemes are the Foster Child Assistance (BAP), Apprentice Training Assistance (BLP), Launch Grant Assistance (GP), and Prosthetic or Support Equipment Assistance (BAT),” he said.
As of 2024, a total of 550,416 individuals nationwide received assistance via JKM, with a combined allocation of RM2.33 billion.
In Sarawak alone, 43,956 recipients have benefitted, with disbursements amounting to RM214.45 million.
The eBantuanJKM system, first developed in 2006 and launched in 2007, features a centralised database to improve the monitoring and management of aid recipients at the federal level.
It has enabled the elimination of manual payment vouchers, reduced the use of transit accounts, helped prevent misuse of funds, and ensured that all implementing offices comply with current financial regulations.
Che Murad extended his appreciation to Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri for officiating at the launch and to all agencies involved in supporting the efficient delivery of federal financial aid via the eBantuanJKM system.
At the event, certificates of appreciation were presented to Sarawak JKM director Semawi Mohamad and to 12 other divisional welfare officers from across the state.
In addition, basic necessities kits were distributed to 10 recipients from welfare offices in Kuching and Samarahan.
Among those in attendance were the federal Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development secretary-general Datuk Dr Maziah Yusoff; state Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development permanent secretary Datu Felicia Tan; National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) Director-General Abdul Shukur Abdullah; and Yayasan Kebajikan Negara (YKN) chief executive officer Nordina Haron.
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