Book praises work of welfare officers

NSTP

KUALA LUMPUR: The Welfare Department is an important institution not only for the needy but also to society at large.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said the department had grown to become one of the most important organisations in the country over the past 31/2 years.

"The department has done a lot for the people. But most of the time it is not even appreciated.

"But we (the ministry) admire the department's work and efforts, and are proud of their achievements," she said at Sekolah Tunas Bakti in Sungai Besi yesterday.

Earlier, Shahrizat launched a book entitled Caring for Malaysia: 60 Years of Social Welfare to mark the 62nd anniversary of the Welfare Department.
The book tells the history of the department and its progress through the years.

It was published as an appreciation of the selfless contributions by the department's officers.

"The department has evolved from using a remedial to developmental approach which stresses individual and community growth," Shahrizat said.

The transformation had strengthened the department's programmes and services by introducing creative ways to respond to human needs.

Shahrizat said the government served as the backbone of the welfare services by providing peace and stability to the people.

Also present were the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Faizah Mohd Tahir and Welfare Department director Meme Zainal Rashid.