SIBU: The Federal and Sarawak governments distributed a total of RM255mil in financial aid last year to senior citizens, the poor and persons with disabilities (OKU) in the state.

       Sarawak Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said aid to senior citizens topped the list with RM120mil paid out to 20,922 individuals.

       The next highest was RM34mil to 10,074 OKU, she added.

       "We (will) continue giving out financial aid as our stable government is always focusing on helping the poor.

       "We work together for a better Sarawak for economic and social prosperity," she said at the Sibu-level Chinese New Year (CNY) Sejambak Kasih programme here on Thursday (Feb 1).

       She said for this year's programme, a total of 7,656 recipients statewide had or would be receiving a total of RM765,600 through the Social Welfare Department.

       "We want our clients to feel special as they receive a hamper and RM100 each (at Thursday's ceremony). Other recipients will receive (the aid) through direct credit into their accounts," said Fatimah.

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       She noted that this CNY aid had been given out for the past 20 years and the practice would continue.

       The programme would also be held during Hari Raya and Gawai, she added.