PUTRAJAYA – Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the Social Welfare Department as well as its employees will continue to be empowered through the implementation of several initiatives to ensure the delivery of efficient and people friendly welfare assistance services.
Among the initiatives included the department’s restructuring, which covers efforts to enhance the delivery of aid, streamlining of posts as well as improving the distribution of duties apart from granting special allowances to staff who serve at risk groups such as senior citizens and people with disabilities, he said.
Other initiatives included formulating the Social Work Profession Bill to ensure the welfare of social workers is protected including the department’s Community Welfare Officers so that they are recognised according to their respective expertise.
Speaking at the 75th anniversary of the Social Welfare Department here last night, Muhyiddin said the department was among the core pillars which forged the direction of social development in the country.
“Welfare department staff have shown dedicated commitment in taking on their responsibilities to look after all sections of the community,” he said.
Muhyiddin said throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the department played an important role especially in ensuring the success of humanitarian and social welfare missions to help in the government’s efforts to curb infections despite facing various constraints.
This included the distribution of food baskets during the implementation of the movement control order (MCO) apart from being involved in managing the various aspects of welfare at Covid-19 quarantine centres throughout the country.
As an additional initiative to assist people affected by Covid-19, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry was also actively carrying out the Malaysia Prihatin Programme since November last year.
Through the programme, he said various forms of assistance were rendered including daily necessities and social support to lighten the burden on people.
He said the assistance channelled through Prihatin is the result of the support and contributions from the corporate sector, non-governmental organisations and the local community.
At the ceremony, Muhyiddin also presented the National Jacket Hero Icon award to two officers, namely Tuah Sajali and Dayang Rugayah Awang Besar for their services and contributions, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Also present at the ceremony were Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun and her deputy Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff. – Bernama, April 12, 2021
