A TOTAL of 48,000 high-risk women are expected to benefit from subsidised mammogram tests and cervical cancer screening provided by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, Deputy Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu told parliament today.

She said a sum of RM6 million has been allocated for mammogram test subsidies in Budget 2023, while RM5.5 million was allocated for cervical cancer screening subsidies.

“I am confident this provision will bring relief to women who are at risk and will also reduce the burden of the less privileged who wish to go for breast and cervical cancer screening,” she said when winding up the debate on the ministry’s Supply Bill 2023 at committee level in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Meanwhile, she said the ministry was still in the process of detailing the establishment of the Child Development Department, as announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim when presenting the 2023 Budget.

She said engagement sessions are being held with stakeholders to finetune the department’s set up.

“In addition, the Social Welfare Department has made several preparations in empowering the Children’s Division through a quick win proposal framework for the establishment of a department involving legal officers and other staff from the ministry, the Social Welfare Department and related agencies,” she said.

Aiman also said the ministry will continue to legalise unregistered nurseries and childcare centres across the country, in addition to providing RM15 million as a soft loan to help entrepreneurs.

The Dewan Rakyat then approved RM3.2 billion in funding for the ministry in the 2023 Budget at committee level through a majority vote.

The Dewan Rakyat sitting resumes on Monday. – Bernama, March 23, 2023.