KUCHING: As the Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS) continues to make positive strides, it stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a brighter future for the state’s young residents.
The EFS manifests the Sarawak Government’s unwavering commitment to nurturing education, fostering ambition and driving economic empowerment from the grassroots up.
In a bid to foster educational growth and entrepreneurial spirit among Sarawak’s children, the Fund continues to make strides, as highlighted during the recent second committee meeting of 2023, chaired by Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
“Set up in 2019, the EFS stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to inclusivity and opportunity,” said Fatimah at a press conference yesterday.
“Regardless of race, religion or socio-economic background, every Sarawak child born since 2019 receives a RM1,000 grant in the form of trust savings.
“Since its inception, the EFS has garnered significant traction. A staggering 100,202 EFS accounts have been opened, representing a commendable allocation of RM100.2 million in funds. The programme’s reach has been extensive, underlining its impact on the lives of Sarawak’s future generations,
“This year, EFS’s performance is equally noteworthy. From January 1 to July 31, 2023, a total of 19,372 Sarawakian children bearing ‘K’ status were born. Of these, 12,450 EFS applications were submitted, reflecting an impressive 64 per cent engagement rate. This data underscores the programme’s relevance and resonance within the community,” she added.
Efforts to streamline the application process and enhance accessibility have been undertaken. The Ministry has successfully conducted eight informative briefings, aiming to facilitate the seamless processing of EFS applications and the Birth, Identity and Benefits (BIB) programme at the grassroots level.
For those eager to partake in the EFS, diverse application methods cater to varying needs. Within Sarawak, applications can be lodged manually at any of the 52 branches of the National Registration Department (JPN).
Applicants outside Sarawak can opt for the postal route, sending essential documents to the Birth, Death & Adoption Division, National Registration Department (NRD) Sarawak headquarters. It’s crucial to note that applications must be submitted within one year of the child’s birth.
Embracing the digital age, an online avenue is also available. The iSarawakCare application can be conveniently downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
For additional information and assistance, the official website, https:/isarawakcare.sarawak.gov.my, offers comprehensive details.
