RM11.2 mln spent on assistance schemes; more sports complexes to be built

The Sabah Social Welfare Department spent about RM11.2 million for the General Assistance Scheme and Orphans Assistance Scheme between January and March, 2017.

Sabah Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid told the State Assembly here Wednesday that 20,989 people benefited from the schemes.

"My ministry will continue to implement programmes for the elderly, special needs persons, orphans and single mothers, and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses," she said while winding up the debate on her ministry.

She said the ministry had also initiated 'Home Help Services', conducted by 113 volunteers to assist the government in ensuring that the welfare of the disabled was taken care of.

She said as at March 2017, 117 special needs and 327 elderly people had benefited from the services.

"The Sabah Welfare Volunteer Centre under the Sabah Welfare Services Council is also providing similar services involving 160 clients and 40 volunteers," she said.

Meanwhile, the Sabah Youth and Sports would continue its efforts to upgrade existing and build more sports infrastructure in the state this year.

Its Minister Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan cited the sports complexes in Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu, Kudat, Tawau and Nabawan as among the facilites to be upgraded.

He said new sports complexes would be built in Tuaran, Papar, Semporna and Bongawan.

"A training field for the state football squad which materialised through a cooperation between Sabah Football Association and Petronas is under construction at Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex," he said.

He added when winding up the debate on his ministry that a Youth Arena in Kinabatangan would also be built in Kinabatangan this year. -- Bernama