KUCHING: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has been urged to implement a pilot healthy ageing community project ahead of Sarawak becoming an ageing state by 2028.
Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said Sarawak is projected to reach ageing-state status by 2028, with more than 15 per cent of its population comprising senior citizens, making early preparation critical.
She said MBKS was identified for the pilot as it was the first local council in Sarawak to adopt the Child Friendly City Initiative, which later became a model followed by other major towns in the state.
“What we would like to propose is for MBKS to be an exemplary council and to set an example for age-friendly cities.
“There is a lot that can be done. I know MBKS has already implemented initiatives such as the autism park, and for this, we can pilot it as a healthy ageing community.
“I have seen the place and what is already available, and what can be added there. I hope this proposal will be taken up by MBKS,” she said during the Sejambak Kasih Chinese New Year (CNY) event at MBKS Hall here Tuesday (Feb 3).
Fatimah noted the proposal was among key resolutions from the Sarawak International Conference for Ageing (SICA) held last year.
“The proposed healthy ageing community pilot would focus on key areas such as health, mobility, financial security and social wellbeing,” she added.
Fatimah said the state continues to enhance support for senior citizens through initiatives such as the Kenyalang Gold Card, which offers discounts on daily necessities, and the Senior Citizen Health Benefit, a cashless healthcare scheme for seniors earning RM7,000 and below.
She said this year’s focus includes increased health screening for senior citizens, encouraging preventive check-ups rather than treatment only when illness occurs, with the state allocating RM500 annually per eligible recipient.
During the event, 150 monthly welfare assistance recipients were hosted in conjunction with the 2026 Chinese New Year celebration.
Fatimah said a total of 2,729 recipients in Kuching will be celebrating Chinese New Year, out of 10,883 monthly welfare aid recipients in the area.
“Today (Feb 3), 150 recipients were invited to this event, and each received a cash contribution of RM100 in angpao form, along with a food hamper worth RM80.
“For recipients who were unable to attend today’s event, the cash assistance will still be credited directly into their respective bank accounts,” she said.
From January to December 2025, the Sarawak Social Welfare Department disbursed approximately RM299.79 million to assist 57,073 monthly welfare aid recipients across Sarawak.
During the same period, the Kuching Social Welfare Office disbursed RM57.29 million to 10,883 monthly welfare aid recipients in the Kuching area.
