Fatimah (second right) hands a token of appreciation to Dr Nadianatra, flanked by Risiandy (right) and Semawi (second left).
KUCHING (April 28): The Sarawak government has introduced an elderly care incentive payment for civil service officers serving in welfare institutions under the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKM) as a form of recognition.
Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the incentive has been approved by the State Cabinet and will be implemented in the near future.
“This initiative aims to recognise and motivate officers directly involved in the care of senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), the destitute and mental health patients in welfare institutions.
“A monthly payment of RM200 will be given to eligible officers such as community development assistants, health care assistants, nurses and other posts directly involved in care and treatment services,” she said in her speech when officiating the Elderly Care Incentive Payment Assistance at Rumah Seri Kenangan, Mile 12 here on Tuesday.
She added that previously, the state government had not provided a specific incentive for civil service officers in elderly care, despite the demanding nature of the job, which includes shift work.
“The implementation of the incentive is also aligned with the federal government’s policy, which introduced a similar facility through service circulars in 2021. This step not only motivates frontliners but also ensures policy consistency between the state and federal governments.
“The state government has allocated approximately RM69,600 annually for the implementation of the incentive covering both institutions. Sarawak currently has two elderly care centres, namely Rumah Seri Kenangan Kuching and Rumah Seri Kenangan Sibu.
“However, residents from Rumah Seri Kenangan Sibu are currently temporarily placed in Rumah Seri Kenangan Kuching following upgrading works at the Sibu facility,” she added.
Also present at the programme were JKM director Semawi Mohamad, Sarawak Social Development Council (MPS) executive secretary Risiandy Nawawi, Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) Dalat and Lawas campus head Dr Nadianatra Musa and Rumah Sri Kenangan Kuching principal Dayang Siti Nurshamira Awang Talip.
