State Budget must aid vulnerable groups

KUCHING: Pregnant teenagers, vulnerable children and rural communities struggling with documentation issues should receive greater attention in Sarawak’s 2027 State Budget, with stronger social support needed to ensure disadvantaged groups are not left behind in the state’s development.

Sarawak Human Development Organisation’s (PPIS) President and Dawn Hope Shelter’s Manager, Manjeet Kaur Sidhu hopes the budget, to be tabled by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the State Legislative Assembly Sitting (DUN), will provide more sustainable assistance for shelters, community organisations and programmes supporting vulnerable groups.

Drawing on her experience working with underprivileged communities, Manjeet said pregnant teenagers, including survivors of sexual abuse, often face emotional trauma, rejection and uncertainty, requiring access to safe shelter, healthcare, counselling and opportunities to continue their education.

“A teenage pregnancy should never mean the end of a young girl’s education, dreams or future. These young mothers need protection, guidance and opportunities to rebuild their lives with dignity,” she said.

As shelter manager of Dawn Hope Shelter, which she describes as Sarawak’s first shelter dedicated to teenage pregnancy cases, Manjeet said support should extend beyond immediate accommodation to include maternal healthcare, psychological assistance, education, vocational training and structured rehabilitation programmes.

She also called for stronger assistance for children in rural communities who face barriers to education, healthcare and future employment because of unresolved documentation issues.

“A child’s future should never be determined by a missing document. We need coordinated efforts involving the relevant government agencies, legal assistance providers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to help these children access the services and opportunities they need,” she said.

She said the budget should also address the needs of low-income families, single mothers, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and families caring for children with chronic illnesses, particularly as the rising cost of living continues to place pressure on household finances.

She hopes for greater allocations for essential medical assistance, food security, elderly care, disability support and emergency relief for families in need.

Sustainable support for NGOs

Manjeet said grassroots non-governmental organisations (NGOs) played an important role in reaching vulnerable individuals and families who might otherwise struggle to obtain assistance.

She urged the state government to consider sustainable, multi-year operational grants for registered and accredited NGOs and shelters, rather than relying solely on one-off project funding.

“Compassion may drive our mission, but sustainable funding enables us to continue saving and transforming lives,” she said.

She added that funding should be accompanied by clear accountability, transparent reporting and measurable outcomes to ensure assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries.

From charity to empowerment

Beyond immediate welfare assistance, Manjeet hopes Budget 2027 will strengthen opportunities for disadvantaged young people, women and rural communities through technical and vocational education and training (TVET), entrepreneurship, skills development and employment programmes.

“Charity addresses immediate needs, but empowerment creates long-term change. We must move beyond helping people survive. We must equip them to thrive,” she said.

She also called for stronger community-based mental health services, sexual abuse prevention initiatives, school awareness programmes, mobile medical outreach and preventive health screening, particularly in underserved rural areas.

Manjeet further urged the state government to recognise NGOs as strategic partners in policy development and implementation, saying their direct engagement with communities gave them valuable insight into the challenges faced by vulnerable groups.

She proposed a structured platform for government agencies, welfare institutions, NGOs and community representatives to identify gaps in assistance and develop practical solutions together.

Development that reaches everyone

While acknowledging Sarawak’s development aspirations, Manjeet said economic progress should also be measured by improvements in the lives of ordinary people, especially those facing hardship.

“The true measure of a progressive society is not only reflected in its skyscrapers, highways, investments or economic achievements. It is reflected in how we treat our most vulnerable people,” she said.

She said the budget should balance economic growth with social responsibility, ensuring development benefits communities not only in urban centres but also in rural villages, longhouses and underserved areas.

“Can a struggling mother feed her children tonight? Can an abused teenager find safety and protection? Can a stateless child finally enter a classroom? These are the questions that matter deeply to me,” she said.

Manjeet reaffirmed PPIS and Dawn Hope Shelter’s commitment to working with the Sarawak Government and other stakeholders to turn these priorities into practical support for vulnerable communities.

“A truly prosperous Sarawak is not one where only the successful move forward, but one where the vulnerable are given the opportunity to rise alongside everyone else.

“Let Budget 2027 be remembered not only for what Sarawak builds, but for the lives Sarawak uplifts,” she said.