YKN’S CERIA SYAWAL PROGRAMME EXPANDS SOCIAL SERVICES, SUPPORTS TARGET GROUPS

PUTRAJAYA, March 17 (Bernama) -- The Yayasan Kebajikan Negara (YKN) Ceria Syawal programme, now in its third day, aims to expand social services and provide support to target groups.

Held at the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) compound from 10 am to 5 pm, the four-day programme offers clothing alteration services, haircuts, food donations for iftar and sales of products from women’s prisons and the One-Stop Social Support Centre.

YKN Administration and Human Resource senior director, who is also the programme director, Mohd Azrazi Mohamad Aspar, said the event held on March 13, 14, 17 and 19 is run by individuals who have previously benefited from YKN’s initiatives.

“For iftar donation, the Wanita Bangkit Bersasar (WBB) Programme provides the menu while the Anjung Sinar youths cook and distribute the meals.

“For alteration services, we involve Wanita Bangkit participants, previously under the MyKasih Kapital project,” he told Bernama today.

Anjung Sinar is a transit centre for youths aged 18 and above who have been discharged from institutions under the Social Welfare Department and have no family or come from underprivileged backgrounds before they start work and a new life.

Meanwhile, the WBB programme aims to help former women prisoners live a better life upon their release.

Mohd Azrazi said the Ceria Syawal programme benefits both participants and KPWKM staff, as it provides income opportunities while offering convenient services to ministry personnel.

“For example, one participant providing alteration services used to work at a tailor shop earning RM2,500 per month. Here, in just two days, she has already earned RM1,000,” he said.

A highlight of the programme is free services for the first 10 customers for haircuts and clothing alterations, with priority given to support staff. A minimal fee applies to others.

-- BERNAMA