SANDAKAN:
The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry will streamline all the new policies introduced and these will also be implemented in Sabah and Sarawak. Its Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen said this was to ensure that all the target groups in every corner of the country could benefit from the implementation of the policies. “The streamlining of the policies is in line with the ministry’s effort to transform its welfare programmes throughout the country that will involve upgrading of services,” she told reporters after visiting a care centre for disabled children here yesterday. She said the working papers on the matter were ready and would be tabled before the Cabinet soon. “Among the policies to be streamlined is on the aid scheme for the disabled, senior citizens and single mothers. “For example, the allowance for caring for family members with chronic illness or who are disabled only covers Peninsular Malaysia currently. “So too is the assistance scheme for single mothers and their children’ where the amount given by the Federal Government and the State Governments is not the same,” she added. In another development, Dr Ng said a review was needed on placing of the disabled, senior citizens and mental patients in the care centres to ensure that they were housed at the right institutions with suitable facilities and staff to care for them. “This is because some of the disabled and senior citizens at the welfare homes or care centres have mental problems and suffer from other diseases as well. “The old folk’s homes and care centres for the disabled are only meant for these groups of people and not for those with mental disease,” she explained. Dr Ng said she had informed the Health Ministry about the matter and would hold further discussions on it. - Bernama
