SIMANGGANG: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) leaders at branch and sub-branch levels must ensure that their members are well briefed on new aid programmes as recently announced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg when presenting the State Budget 2025.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the many programmes formulated are to benefit every Sarawakian residing in the state.

He said this after officiating at PBB's Bukit Begunan and Engkilili Branches' Triennial Meeting at a hotel here.

"I would like to advise all these grassroot leaders to ensure all their members have very good knowledge of these programmes to allow them to benefit from it.

"It is absolutely important that members are not only aware of it, but know them very well.

"They are for everyone and no one should be left behind.

"The philosopy behind is that there is always food on the table for them," Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said.

He cited the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) as an example whereby a sum of RM450 million had been set aside.

This programme, he added, is for the low income group.

"It provides financial assistance ranging from RM250 to RM800 annually to all Sarawakians residing in the state.

"It is expected to benefit at least 850,000 individuals.

Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said this programme would compliment the federal financial assistance under the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR).

He added there were other programmes such as the Post Natal Assistance whereby RM14 million had been set aside.

"Then, there is the RM55 million for various welfare aid including general assistance, disaster assistance and medical assistance."

He said the people should be made aware that a sum of RM15 million had been allocated as death compassionate assistance to ease the financial burden of families of deceased Kenyalang Gold Card holders.

"There is also the Senior Citizen Health Benefits programme with an allocation of RM50 million.

"These are some of the more relevant assistances.

"There are others like pocket money for Sarawakian students in higher learning institution"

Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah called for seminars or talks to publicise these programmes and inform the people on the ways to apply for the aid programmes.

"Hold them as early as possible or the latest, by end of coming January."

Meanwhile both branches in their resolutions had proposed for the Premier who is also party president to return unopposed in the party convention in February next year.

The Engkilili branch is under the chairmanship of Senator Susan Chemerai Anding who will make way for Betong Member of Parliament Datuk Dr Richard Rapu to take over for the 2024/ 2027 session.

The Bukit Begunan branch is led by Cr Anthony Abell Chendan.-UKASnews