KUCHING: The 2025 Senior Citizens Care Visit Programme to Lions Nursing Home reflect Sarawak’s commitment towards supporting non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that care for vulnerable senior citizens.
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said the programme is an initiative by the Ministry of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing (KPWK) to reach out to senior citizens residing in care institutions and those who receive less attention in society.
“So, from our delegation, with Social Welfare Department (JKMS) Director, Semawi Mohammad, we had a short discussion just now, and he confirmed that, yes, JKMS still have the fund, and we are going to donate RM10,000 as our Gawai and visit gift today.
“We are also distributing the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) and Senior Citizen Health Benefits (SCHB) to eligible residents who had not yet been registered in which I believe will be very helpful.
“Health is a big issue for our senior citizens, so is access to medication, and we want every eligible senior citizen to have access to government initiatives,” she said.
She said these in a press conference during the Senior Citizens Care Visit Programme in conjunction with 2025 Hari Gawai Dayak and Hari Raya Aidiladha held at Lions Nursing Home today.
The programme also involved distributing food baskets to 54 residents.
“The programme plays an important role in ensuring that this group is not marginalised, and always receives attention and support from the community,” she added.
Looking ahead, Fatimah shared the ministry’s plans to conduct research to better understand the needs of Sarawak’s elderly population, particularly as the state approaches its ageing milestone in 2028.
“We want to understand their profile, what is the situation of our elderly in urban, rural, and remote areas; the differences between men and women; and the challenges they face, even in terms of ethnicity.
“As Sarawak continues to develop, the government wants to ensure that no one is left behind and that adequate focus is given to each group,”she said.
For the record, Fatimah, led the delegation alongside Semawi, Sarawak Social Development Council’s Assistant Secretary, Fauziah Keepli; Head of the Private Medical Practice Control Branch at the Sarawak State Health Department, Dr Asmah Nazahiyah Said, and other officials.
They were warmly received by Lion Nursing Home Chairperson, Datin Eilis Suriyati Omar, and others.
Eilis said that the home was established in 1992 and serves as a professional care centre for elderly individuals incapacitated by non-infectious illnesses, particularly patients whose families are unable to meet their care requirements.
“This coming October, we will be celebrating 33 years since its founding.
“Personally, I feel that 33 years is a long time but as Lions, the more we serve the community, the younger we feel every day,”she said.
As a non-profit organisation, hosting the annual Lions Food Fair which is usually held in December, she said, is crucial to help the centre meet essential needs such as food supplies, improving the facility’s condition, and more.
