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Borneo Post
23-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak taps Affin Bank to manage EFS 2.0 for newborns
Fatimah (seated, fourth right) and other dignitaries in a photo-call, taken during the signing of the MoA. KUCHING (June 23): Affin Bank Berhad has been officially appointed to manage the Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS) 2.0, a long-term savings initiative for newborns in the state. The appointment was finalised through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed between the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development and Affin Bank during a ceremony here today. This five-year mandate, effective Jan 1, 2025 to Dec 31, 2029, reflects a shared commitment to inclusive economic participation and long-term community empowerment. 'EFS 2.0 enhances the state's pioneering endowment initiative by offering each eligible newborn with a structured savings package totalling RM1,000.00 ― comprising RM550 placed in the Affin Islamic Term Deposit-i (AITD-i) with an annual profit rate of 3.40 per cent, and RM450 placed in the Affin Emas Account-i, which offers an indicative average return of 8.98 per cent per annum. 'This structured approach supports sustainable wealth accumulation over 18 years, reinforcing long-term financial well-being and enhancing the financial preparedness of the next generation,' read the statement. In addition, each beneficiary will receive a complimentary Takaful Protection Plan, which provides RM10,000 coverage for one parent in the event of accidental death or permanent disability during the child's first year ― reflecting a holistic approach to family security and financial well-being. Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said EFS 2.0 reflects Sarawak's continued commitment to invest in the future of Sarawakians from the earliest stage of life. 'With the introduction of a revamped structure and enhanced features, Affin Bank has been appointed as the new strategic partner to manage this next phase of the programme. 'The benefits projects a total value of RM2,442.12 at maturity. With over 132,000 accounts opened since inception, this next chapter with Affin Bank strengthens our commitment to ensuring that every eligible child ― regardless of background ― has access to long-term financial opportunity and a fair start in life,' she said. Affin Group president and chief executive officer Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah said the bank is honoured to be entrusted by the Sarawak government to support EFS 2.0, a meaningful initiative that promotes financial resilience for future generations. 'This reinforces our role in advancing national priorities that promote digital empowerment, responsible finance and economic resilience. 'Guided by our Affin Axelerate 2028 Plan ― anchored on three strategic pillars of unrivalled customer service, digital leadership, and responsible banking with impact ― we aim to foster a savings culture and encourage financial literacy from an early age,' he said. 'With a growing network nationwide, including nine branches across Sarawak, we continue to expand our reach to communities. In all our efforts, we are committed to creating meaningful impact ― ensuring that whatever we touch is left in a better state than when we found it.' Affin Bank Endowment Fund Sarawak fatimah abdullah newborns
Malay Mail
23-06-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Sarawak tops vape use among youth, state minister calls for urgent action on rising trend
KUCHING, June 23 — Sarawak has the highest vape users among youngsters aged 13 to 17 years in Malaysia, based on the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) undertaken in 2022, which recorded prevalence rate of 20.3 per cent, or 39,608 individuals. To Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, this is not something to be proud of. 'This is not good. We're on top of the list, but not for a good reason. 'The prevalence rate of vape use among Sarawakianz aged 15 years and above has also shown an increase. The NHMS report showed an increase in the prevalence rate of vape use from 4.5 per cent in 2019 to 7.3 per cent in 2023,' she said at the state-level 'National Anti-Drugs Day 2025' at Detar Putra of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) on Saturday evening. In this regard, she said her ministry was ready to bring this issue up at the Sarawak Cabinet meeting in seeking direction on the next step of action. She also pointed out that there had been cases of illegal substance being added to vapes, with police statistics in 2023 reporting nine cases of illegal vape substances in Sarawak. 'We must do something to avoid this issue from becoming out of hand,' she stressed. On another matter, Fatimah said Sarawak recorded a total of 4,602 arrests involving various drug-related offences from January to April this year. 'What is worrying is the increase in relapse cases among drug addicts in Sarawak, where the number of recorded cases jumped by 120 per cent from 319 cases (last year) to 703 cases.' She added out of the 4,602 arrests, 2,804 involved youths – up from 1,392 youths' arrests recorded last year. 'This group (youths) are of the future of the state and the country. 'What's clear now is that prevention efforts must start earlier, at the school level with strong support from the teachers and parents,' she pointed out. The state minister also called upon youths to never experiment with illegal drugs, as getting over the addiction and rehabilitation process would be difficult for them. — The Borneo Post
Borneo Post
23-06-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Minister unhappy over Sarawak posting highest number of adolescent vape users
Fatimah (fifth left) joins other officials involved in the state-level National Anti-Drugs Day 2025 programme in a group photo. KUCHING (June 23): Sarawak has the highest vape users among youngsters aged 13 to 17 years in Malaysia, based on the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) undertaken in 2022, which recorded prevalence rate of 20.3 per cent, or 39,608 individuals. To Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, this is not something to be proud of. 'This is not good. We're on top of the list, but not for a good reason. 'The prevalence rate of vape use among Sarawakianz aged 15 years and above has also shown an increase. The NHMS report showed an increase in the prevalence rate of vape use from 4.5 per cent in 2019 to 7.3 per cent in 2023,' she said at the state-level 'National Anti-Drugs Day 2025' at Detar Putra of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) on Saturday evening. In this regard, she said her ministry was ready to bring this issue up at the Sarawak Cabinet meeting in seeking direction on the next step of action. She also pointed out that there had been cases of illegal substance being added to vapes, with police statistics in 2023 reporting nine cases of illegal vape substances in Sarawak. 'We must do something to avoid this issue from becoming out of hand,' she stressed. On another matter, Fatimah said Sarawak recorded a total of 4,602 arrests involving various drug-related offences from January to April this year. 'What is worrying is the increase in relapse cases among drug addicts in Sarawak, where the number of recorded cases jumped by 120 per cent from 319 cases (last year) to 703 cases.' She added out of the 4,602 arrests, 2,804 involved youths – up from 1,392 youths' arrests recorded last year. 'This group (youths) are of the future of the state and the country. 'What's clear now is that prevention efforts must start earlier, at the school level with strong support from the teachers and parents,' she pointed out. The state minister also called upon youths to never experiment with illegal drugs, as getting over the addiction and rehabilitation process would be difficult for them. fatimah abdullah National Health and Morbidity Survey substance abuse vape
New Straits Times
22-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Malaysia records 751,000 registered PWDs, with awareness issues behind registration gap
KUCHING: A lack of public awareness has been blamed for the gap between the number of registered persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Malaysia and actual estimates, with only 751,421 people officially recorded as of last year. Sarawak's Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the registration gap reflects both a lack of awareness about the benefits available to PWDs and lingering stigma within communities and families. "The actual number is believed to exceed one million, based on World Health Organisation estimates that roughly 12 per cent of a given population is likely to be disabled," she said at the launch of a PWD registration drive here today. In Sarawak, a total of 56,184 PWDs have been registered via the PWD Information System (SMOKU) as of May 31 this year. Fatimah said many families remain unaware of the importance of registering children or relatives with disabilities, particularly when it comes to early intervention and access to services. Learning disabilities accounted for the highest number of cases in Sarawak at 22,511, followed by physical (16,195), mental (5,943), vision (5,918), hearing (3,167), and others, including speech impairments and miscellaneous categories. She said societal attitudes also played a role in the under-registration, saying some families were reluctant to come forward due to shame or fear of being seen as burdensome. "The view that PWDs cannot be independent discourages families from registering them. "But registration is essential — it's the gateway to assistance, services, and policies designed to support them." Fatimah said accurate statistics would enable the government to better tailor programmes to meet specific needs. She also highlighted the importance of early childhood screening and intervention, particularly for learning disabilities. As of April 2025, 1,245 children under the age of six had been registered as PWDs in Sarawak, 77 per cent of whom were diagnosed with learning difficulties. She said that while limited access to specialists remained a challenge, efforts were underway to train more personnel through collaborations with both local and international agencies. "The lack of expertise has not stopped us from continuing to provide services to children with special needs," she said. The ministry will continue to prioritise early intervention, public outreach and education to close the registration gap nationwide.
Borneo Post
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Fatimah: Kids' Athletics programme builds healthy, confident future leaders
Fatimah (third left) presents a token of appreciation to a participant. MUKAH (June 22): The Kids' Athletics programme is not merely a sporting event but a meaningful initiative to nurture healthy, intelligent and grounded youths, said Sarawak Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah. She said the event, which was participated in by 25 primary schools across Mukah, Daro and Dalat, reflected the strong sporting spirit among the children. 'They are not only competing in a healthy manner but also building friendships, self-confidence and discipline — values that are essential in shaping future generations,' she said when officiating the Kids' Athletics 2025 Series 2.2 for Mukah Zone closing ceremony at the Mukah Stadium here yesterday. The Dalat assemblywoman said the programme provided a safe and fun platform for children to learn through experience, discover their potential and develop their talents. 'Activities such as Sprint Hurdles, Formula One, Cross Hopping, Overhead Backward Throwing, and Pole Long Jumping provide a balanced physical and mental challenge, requiring teamwork, strategy, and efficiency. 'I'm truly impressed by the holistic approach offered through Kids' Athletics, which integrates physical, spiritual, emotional, and social elements into an effective outdoor learning method. 'In this digital era, we must encourage our children to be more physically active so that they can excel not only academically, but also maintain physical and mental wellbeing,' she said. Fatimah said sports could be a catalyst for social change, contributing to the development of a healthier, more resilient, and united society, adding: 'We are not only developing athletes, but also future leaders who understand the meaning of competitiveness, teamwork, and perseverance.' She also called for stronger collaboration among ministries, the Education Department, sports associations, schools, and communities in advancing grassroots sports development in Sarawak. 'On behalf of the Sarawak government, I assure that support for programmes like this will continue to grow and be strengthened. I hope other zones will take the initiative to organise their own editions in the future,' she said. Fatimah expressed hope that such initiatives would spark greater interest in sports and help unearth athletic talent. 'Not everyone may be interested in sports, but some will, and perhaps one day, they may represent Sarawak – or even Malaysia – on the world stage,' she said. The programme was jointly organised by the Sarawak Athletics Association, Sarawak State Education Department, and Sarawak Sports Corporation. Also present were organising chairman Bong Soon Kee, Malaysian Athletics Federation vice president and Sarawak Athletics Association deputy president Lim Tze Yaw and treasurer Josephine Kang Teok Koon. fatimah abdullah Kids' Athletics programme lead Mukah
