ISKANDAR PUTERI, June 21 — The Johor government has assisted a total of 1,151 children, who were orphaned after their parents died from Covid-19, through the Anak Johor Prihatin programme with an allocation of RM3 million since last April.

Johor Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Khairin Nisa Ismail said the Johor Baru district recorded the highest number with 432 orphans, followed by Kulai with 117 and Muar with 116.

She said the Batu Pahat district came next with a total of 99 orphans, followed by Tangkak (92), Kota Tinggi (92), Pontian (78), Segamat (69), Kluang (41) and Mersing (15).

"Among the assistance given were cash aid of RM100 a month to the affected orphaned children until they complete school.

"There is also cash assistance of RM2,000 a year for the orphans who continued their studies at public institutions of higher learning (IPTA) in the country,” said Khairin Nisa while responding to a question on the future of the orphans during the state assembly session in Kota Iskandar here today.

She said besides cash aids, education savings assistance and insurance coverage until the orphans reach the age of 21 are also provided.

Khairin Nisa, who is also the Serom state assemblyman, explained that the Darul Ta’zim Family Development Foundation, which implements the Anak Johor Prihatin programme, is still receiving new applications.

She assured the public that procedural reviews and checks were carried out to ensure that the recipients are children who were truly deserving of the assistance.

"Through the implementation of the Anak Johor Prihatin programme, the state government takes orphans affected by the Covid-19 pandemic seriously.

"It is a long-term programme to assist the orphans affected by Covid-19 in taking care of their welfare and education until they reach the age of 21,” said Khairun Nisa.