Kuala lumpur: The Negeri Sembilan government has introduced the people-centred Masyarakat Negeri Sembilan (MANES) programme, a new approach to reaching out to, listening to, assisting and empowering the people through a more comprehensive and inclusive support ecosystem.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim stated that the programme was implemented through Kembara MANES, targeting agencies and units under the Social Welfare Department (JKM). It aims to provide information on the services offered by the department throughout the districts, including rural areas. The groups receiving attention include senior citizens, children, individuals with autism, and those in need of welfare services, with an additional focus on the development of women, families, and communities.

'The aim is to publicise all the services provided to the people by state JKM. Perhaps some information does not reach the community, and not everyone knows about the assistance available,' he told reporters after launching the Kembara MANES programme and welfare aid contributions at the Menteri Besar's official residence today.

Meanwhile, state Women, Family and Community Development Action Committee chairman Siti Nur Umaira Datuk Hasim said MANES was implemented through five main initiatives, namely MANES @ Suara Kita, Kembara Kasih MANES, MANES Prihatin, MANES Emosi and MANES @ DuIT Je!

Siti Nur Umaira emphasized that the implementation of MANES reflected the state government's commitment to ensuring that the people not only received assistance but were also given the space and support to become more self-reliant. 'For us, no one is too far away to be cared for. MANES seeks to be close to the people, understand their needs, and ensure that no one is left behind in the state's development,' she said.

Meanwhile, she stated that a total of RM532,704 in assistance was provided during today's programme to support community welfare efforts. Of the amount, RM339,000 was allocated under the Autism Learning Fee Subsidy to 26 autism learning centres, while RM193,704 was channelled as government financial assistance to three voluntary welfare organisations (PSK). This assistance demonstrated the state government's continued commitment to supporting children in need of education, as well as organisations providing welfare services to the community.