The National Welfare System or Sistem Kebajikan Negara (SKN) revealed recently is aimed at aligning the assistance with a more comprehensive welfare system.
A more simplified application process will be implemented for those in need of assistance from the Community Development Department (JAPEM), Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) and Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.
According to a statistic shared by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin in a press conference, more than 9,400 family heads in the country are receiving the Monthly Welfare Assistance (BKB) from JAPEM or the Asnaf Fakir Miskin Assistance from MUIB as well as assistance from Yayasan.
In an interview with the Bulletin, Acting Village Head of Kampong Kulapis Mohamad Asyramisyanie bin Kamis said the system will provide more facilities especially for villagers who do not have transportation to apply for assistance as application can be made online.
The system is currently updating data and information of recipients while new application will be available on July 15.
He said he disseminated information shared during a roadshow held at the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE) with residents. A resident from Kampong Kilanas, Mohamad Bajuri bin Haji Yusof said the system will provide a comprehensive platform for those who want to apply for assistance.
“Under one database, the relevant agencies could monitor the applications status, review and make assessment without any duplication.
FROM LEFT: Legislative Council member, Penghulu of Mukim Berakas ‘B’ and Acting Penghulu of Mukim Berakas ‘A’ Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Ali bin Pengiran Maon; Acting Village Head of Kampong Kulapis Mohamad Asyramisyanie bin Kamis and Acting Village Head of Kampong Lambak ‘B’ Azizi Fakri bin Noorazalie (BELOW) during the interview.
“Not only the system will help monitor the development and progress of the assistance, it will also help the government to make in-depth analysis and appropriate intervention, including the management of unemployment, job seeking and life skills for the applicants and their dependents to end the poverty cycle.
Legislative Council member, Penghulu of Mukim Berakas ‘B’ and Acting Penghulu of Mukim Berakas ‘A’ Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Ali bin Pengiran Maon expressed his appreciation for the newly-digitalised welfare system as it will facilitate assistance efficiently and with more clarity.
He urged fellow penghulus, village heads, acting penghulus and acting village heads to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to them to assist those who are eligible for assistance.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Ali also expressed his thanks to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the development of the system.
Meanwhile, Acting Village Head of Kampong Lambak ‘B’ Azizi Fakri bin Noorazalie saw SKN as an efficient system. “Sometimes, we overlook those who are eligible for the assistance, but this new system, it will help them gain access and apply directly for the BKB or Asnaf Fakir Miskin.”
As acting village head, he is helping to disseminate information by briefing BKB recipients residing in Kampong Lambak ‘B’.
He also collects details and contact numbers of the BKB and Asnaf Fakir Miskin recipients under his jurisdiction.
As a former Community Development Officer under the Employment and Entrepreneurship (PNK) unit at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, he believes the system will encourage and empower recipients to venture into entrepreneurship.
Courtesy: Borneo Bulletin
