KUCHING: The Labour Department will hold three programmes to provide assistance and training to housewives.

Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah said the programmes will encourage housewives to work from home to generate their own income.

“We are confident with the Labour Department in delivering the programmes. We hope more allocation will be given to Sarawak so that the programmes can be extended to more locations in the state.

“These programmes will help women, especially housewives, of various categories,” she told a press conference following a courtesy call from Labour Department employment services head Rahman Bee yesterday.

The programmes are 1Malaysia Support For Housewives, Housewives Enhancement and Reactive Talent Scheme, and Survival Skills for Women.

The Labour Department plans to hold the programmes in Serian, Mukah and Bintulu initially.

Meanwhile, Rahman explained that 1Malaysia Support For Housewives, targeted at housewives from low income families, provides opportunities to improve their quality of life, income and skills.

“The second programme Housewives Enhancement and Reactive Talent Scheme is more like a job placement and matching programme, targeted at housewives who have certificates, diplomas or degrees but are not employed.

“The third programme Survival Skills for Women is to provide certification for those with skills,” she said.
Rahman added that a minimum of 10 participants are targeted for each area.

“We plan to start the programmes in June this year. Those who are interested are advised to register at the nearest Labour Department office,” she said.