Minister Talks On Welfare Services
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Community Development Department launched the capacity building programme yesterday morning at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports building.

The guest of honour was Pehin Dato Seri Paduka (Dr.) Haji Awang Hussain, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports,.

The government of His Majesty the Sultan had allocated millions of dollars in giving out aid, pension as well as allowances to 4,000 families who received monthly welfare aid, and for 15,000 people who obtained pension money and allowances under the special needs and old age Pension Act, the minister said.

Besides cash assistance, the welfare services also offers training courses, counselling programme, protection as well as rehabilitations, he said.

The government also allocated a large sum of money for social sectors, which comprise of education, health and medical, housing and religious affairs to make sure that the welfare of Bruneian people are looked after and to raise the standard of living, he said.

As an example, he cited that the people of Brunei receive free education from primary to higher education institutions. On the issues of health, the National Housing plan and "Skim Tanah Kurnia Rakyat Jati", Bruneians only need to pay a minimal fee, he said.

Under the guidance of the government of His Majesty, the people of Brunei could enjoy the many services provided free.

He hoped clients of the Department of Community Development could make good use of the welfare services and any assistance granted by the government.

They could build up their spirit of independence and work hard to be more productive and contribute to the development of the country, he said.

Datin Hajah Zaliha Bin Haji Mohiddin, Director of Community Development Department, said that the Community Development Department had been responsible in providing services and assistance to underprivileged Bruneians.

The assistance also acts as driving force for the recipient to be independent in the future, and without having to rely on government assistance every month.

She added that the capacity building programme aims at motivating and providing inspiration to the recipient of assistance to work hard in making a living.

The programme is also in line with the strategies of the department, which are to raise the independency of the recipient of assistance and to make the person more responsible.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the lawn mowers, savings account, and a UBD Fee worth $6,200 by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.

Dyg Arba'yah binti Haji Taip and Siti Fatimah Abdullah shared their hardship to the audience and they thanked the government for its assistance in helping them to get on their feet again.

The Department of Community Development said the registration of special people started July 22.

Forms could be obtained in the Department of Community development in all districts, the penghulu and heads of villages all over the country and on line at www.japem.gov.bn. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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