THE digitalisation of the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) has become a key catalyst in improving services for senior citizens, following its virtual launch through Sarawak PASS once individuals reach the age of 60.
Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said the digitalisation of KGC is not merely a system upgrade.
“This digitalisation is not just a system enhancement but aims to make it easier for senior citizens to enjoy the benefits of the KGC,” she said during her ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) today.
In line with the public service digitalisation agenda, the Sarawak Social Welfare Department launched the virtual KGC on October 29, 2025, during the closing of the Sarawak International Conference on Ageing (SICA).
To date, Fatimah said, the KGC has benefited 315,106 cardholders, who are eligible for various facilities and discounts from 1,140 strategic partners across Sarawak.
She further said the ministry has taken initial steps to develop policies and action plans to enhance the wellbeing of senior citizens through research and international-level conferences.
A study titled ‘Research on Preparation for an Ageing Sarawak: The Profile and Ageing Issues of Older Persons in Sarawak’ involved 6,094 respondents aged 55 and above and 396 informants in focus groups.
“The study, which started on October 1, 2024, and was fully completed on August 30, 2025, aims to improve the wellbeing of senior citizens,” she said.
Fatimah also highlighted that SICA 2025 successfully brought together 539 participants, including 18 local experts and 11 international experts, with sessions including keynote presentations, plenary sessions, parallel sessions, and forums exploring various perspectives on ageing.
“The ministry plans to take follow-up actions based on the study and resolutions from SICA 2025 to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens, reduce service gaps, and ensure inclusive development for future generations,” she added.
In this regard, Fatimah emphasised her ministry’s commitment to empowering senior citizens through initiatives covering community development, digitalised services, access to healthcare, and caregiver capacity building.
She further explained that Senior Citizen Service Centres (PPWE) and Senior Citizen Activity Centres (PAWE) have been established as active community hubs to ensure senior citizens remain productive and engaged in society.
Efforts to strengthen senior citizens’ wellbeing are also supported through the Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB), which provides healthcare assistance to 208,336 eligible senior citizens across Sarawak through cashless treatment at 263 registered healthcare facilities.
Additionally, the ministry has conducted various awareness, prevention, and dementia care programmes focusing on early awareness, healthy lifestyles, caregiver training, cognitive screening, and community support to reduce the risk and impact of dementia.
