The government through the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry had allocated RM164.6 million to help 73,255 single mothers last year, said its deputy minister Senator Heng Seai Kie.
Sarawak were the biggest beneficiary whereby 13,308 cases that received RM27.1 million from the funds that were channeled through the Welfare Department.
“Labuan received the least funds under the scheme, amounting to RM264,000 through 137 cases,” she told Sim Tong Him (DAP-Kota Melaka) at the Dewan Rakyat here today.
Heng said among assistance provided for single mothers included financial aid for their children’s education, with each family receiving between RM100 to a maximum of RM450 a month.
“In 2010, a total of 47,526 single mothers received financial aid for their children’s education, amounting to RM112.1 million.
Heng said she also welcomed a suggestion by Mohamed Aziz (BN-Sri Gading) who recommended legal action be taken against husbands or fathers who denounced their responsibilities that result in the sufferings of single mothers.
However, she added that punishment or action under the law was not within the jurisdiction of the ministry.
– Bernama
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