(Kuching, 18th) Sarawak Minister of Women, Children and Community Welfare Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, stated that all sectors of society should provide stronger and more coordinated support to address the challenges faced by single mothers, especially those raising children with special needs.
She pointed out that single mothers are among the most vulnerable yet also most resilient groups in society.
She said that the Sarawak Single Mothers’ Association, one of the oldest and largest single mothers’ organizations in Sarawak, has branches in all districts across the state and continues to play an important role.
Fatimah explained that the definition of a single mother is not limited to widows, but also includes unmarried women who have adopted children, or women who have to shoulder the family’s financial burden because their spouses are unable to work due to illness.
She shared the case of a single mother with five children, one of whom suffers from scoliosis, to illustrate the daily difficulties faced by many families.
She said that this mother had to frequently take leave to bring her child to medical appointments, and ultimately lost her job due to repeated absences.
She explained that the family now relies on about RM1,000 per month in welfare assistance, mainly spent on rent, transportation, and utilities, with little left for food.
"Sometimes there’s rice, but no dishes—the children cannot just eat plain rice," she said.
Fatimah added that although NGOs provide basic living assistance, it is often still insufficient to fully meet the needs of these families.
She noted that the government also offers additional support during festive seasons, such as an extra RM100 during Hari Raya, to lessen the burden on recipient families.
"At least during the festive period, they can receive a little more help to celebrate." she said.
At the same time, she also praised businesses, NGOs, and individuals for stepping up to help the government support vulnerable groups.
Fatimah added that the state government is promoting the construction of a "Comprehensive Center for Special Needs Communities," providing one-stop services from early intervention and education to vocational training and residential care.
She emphasized that while some people with special needs are able to live independently, there are still some who require lifelong support, thus the establishment of a comprehensive support system is vital.
"We hope to provide continuous support from childhood through to later stages of life," she said.
She pointed out that single mothers are among the most vulnerable yet also most resilient groups in society.
She said that the Sarawak Single Mothers’ Association, one of the oldest and largest single mothers’ organizations in Sarawak, has branches in all districts across the state and continues to play an important role.
She shared the case of a single mother with five children, one of whom suffers from scoliosis, to illustrate the daily difficulties faced by many families.
She said that this mother had to frequently take leave to bring her child to medical appointments, and ultimately lost her job due to repeated absences.
She explained that the family now relies on about RM1,000 per month in welfare assistance, mainly spent on rent, transportation, and utilities, with little left for food.
"Sometimes there’s rice, but no dishes—the children cannot just eat plain rice," she said.
Fatimah added that although NGOs provide basic living assistance, it is often still insufficient to fully meet the needs of these families.
She noted that the government also offers additional support during festive seasons, such as an extra RM100 during Hari Raya, to lessen the burden on recipient families.
"At least during the festive period, they can receive a little more help to celebrate." she said.
At the same time, she also praised businesses, NGOs, and individuals for stepping up to help the government support vulnerable groups.
Fatimah added that the state government is promoting the construction of a "Comprehensive Center for Special Needs Communities," providing one-stop services from early intervention and education to vocational training and residential care.
She emphasized that while some people with special needs are able to live independently, there are still some who require lifelong support, thus the establishment of a comprehensive support system is vital.
"We hope to provide continuous support from childhood through to later stages of life," she said.