By WU VUIDE
TUARAN: The launch of the Mobile One-Stop Social Support Centre (PSSS) was timely to deal with the growing mental health problem in the post-Covid-19 period, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the Health Ministry had reported that over five million Malaysians are facing depression, anxiety and stress issues, including a rise in suicide cases.
“This mobile PSSS will reach out to rural communities and provide much-needed psychosocial support for those affected by divorce, abuse, unemployment, and financial burdens,” he said.
He said this when officiating the Kembara Kasih Programme by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) and the launch of PSSS at Tuaran field.
Its Minister, Dato’ Sri Nancy Shukri was also present.
He also urged the public, who are living along the route in Zone 1: Tuaran, Papar, and Penampang and Zone 2: Lahad Datu, Kunak, and Tawau to make full use of the various services made available throughout the programme.
Hajiji expressed hope that similar programmes would continue and be expanded to other areas in the future as part of efforts to further strengthen the well-being of the people.
On another note, he said the Community Development and People’s Well-being Ministry has been allocated RM162.42 million to implement various social programmes for the people.
“The government is channelling RM76.29 million this year to assist the disabled (OKU), senior citizens, single mothers, children and orphans through various targeted aid schemes.
“Additionally, a total of RM956,000 has been allocated for people’s well-being programmes covering family matters, consumerism, women’s development and healthy lifestyle initiatives,” he said.
He also announced that RM550,000 has been channelled to the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam) Sabah as part of efforts to combat drug abuse, particularly among school students.
Hajiji expressed appreciation to KPWKM, for extending various forms of assistance and services to the people of Sabah.
This includes RM300,000 in flood disaster relief funds from the National Welfare Foundation this year and RM2.1 million allocated for the needs of 384 temporary evacuation centres.
He said 2025 Federal Financial Aid Programme for Sabah totals RM330 million, of which RM315 million has been distributed to 45,572 recipients under the Social Welfare Department (JKM).
