KUCHING: The Sarawak government has introduced a RM200 monthly elderly care incentive for state civil servants serving at welfare institutions, in recognition of their role in caring for vulnerable groups.
According to Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, the initiative, approved at a recent State Cabinet meeting, will benefit personnel directly involved in the care of elderly residents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), the destitute and patients with mental illness under the Social Welfare Department (JKM).
“This incentive is a form of recognition and motivation for our officers who carry out demanding duties in caring for residents.
“It also ensures policy alignment between the federal and Sarawak governments,” she said when officiating at the Elderly Care Incentive Payment Ceremony at Rumah Seri Kenangan (RSK) here, yesterday (April 28).
Fatimah said the incentive is in line with the Public Service Circular No. 1 of 2024, which provides similar allowances at the federal level.
Prior to this, Sarawak did not have a specific incentive for such roles.
Eligible recipients include community development assistants, operations assistants, nurses, community nurses and other staff directly involved in caregiving, subject to job scope.
She noted that caregiving at welfare institutions requires round-the-clock attention, with staff working in shifts to ensure residents are properly monitored and cared for.
“At present, Sarawak has two elderly care centres, namely RSK Kuching and RSK Sibu. However, residents from Sibu have been temporarily relocated to Kuching while the facility there undergoes upgrades.
“The annual financial implication of the incentive is estimated at RM69,600, involving 17 personnel in RSK Kuching and 12 in RSK Sibu,” she said.
Fatimah also stressed that elderly care demands specialised skills, patience and empathy, as it involves addressing diverse physical and emotional needs.
She added that training opportunities are being expanded, with elderly care courses already offered at CENTEXS Dalat and palliative care courses expected to be introduced in October.
“This is not just about routine care. We want our senior citizens to receive quality care so they can live with dignity and enjoy a better quality of life,” she said.
