MIRI: The Sarawak government has announced a transition in the management of the Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS), with Affin Bank taking over from Jan 1, 2025 for newborns from that date onwards.
Meanwhile, EFS for babies born until Dec 31, 2024 will continue to be handled by Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad.
Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah disclosed this after handing over EFS and Bantuan Ibu Bersalin (BIB) initiatives to new mothers at Miri Hospital’s new block on Tuesday (March 18).
She also reminded applicants that EFS applications can now be submitted at any of the 49 National Registration Department (JPN) branches across Sarawak.
Those residing outside Sarawak can apply by mailing the required documents to the Births, Deaths, and Adoptions Division at the Sarawak JPN Headquarters.
Introduced in 2019, EFS is a Sarawak government initiative that provides RM1,000 in trust savings for every Sarawak-born child, regardless of race, religion, or socioeconomic status. The fund aims to assist children in their higher education, career start-ups, or small business ventures in the future.
Since its implementation on Jan 1, 2019, a total of 132,925 EFS accounts have been opened as of Feb 28, 2025, involving an allocation of RM132.9 million.
Launched on Jan 1, 2020, BIB provides a one-off cash assistance of RM450 to every eligible Sarawakian mother or the wife of a ‘K’-status MyKad holder who gives birth.
This financial aid is meant to help cover postnatal care expenses, including nutritious food and personal care during the confinement period.
As of Feb 28 this year, 79,706 mothers have benefitted from BIB, with a total expenditure of RM35.8 million. The Sarawak government has confirmed that BIB will continue in 2025.
Applications for BIB can be made manually at Divisional or District Welfare Offices, District Offices, or the BIB Secretariat at Baitul Makmur 2 Building in Kuching. Alternatively, applications can be submitted online via iSarawakCare.
Also present at the event were Deputy Minister Datuk Rosey Yunus and Miri Hospital director Dr Jack Wong.
