SARAWAK continues to strengthen support for its ageing population through various assistance schemes and programmes implemented via the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS) and the Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB) initiative.
Deputy Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Rosey Yunus said RM39.7 million has been channelled under the SCHB initiative to provide cashless outpatient treatment for senior citizens aged 60 and above.
“As of Oct 30, a total of 156,193 eligible senior citizens have utilised this benefit in 263 registered panel clinics,” she said.
Rosey was responding to a question from Dr Simon Sinang Bada (GPS-Tebedu) during the question-and-answer session in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today.
Earlier, Dr Simon had asked about the assistance and programmes available to support senior citizens as Sarawak heading towards aging population.
She added that the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) and Death Compassionate Assistance (BIK) schemes further enhance support for the elderly by offering discounts and rebates through registered merchants, while BIK helps ease funeral-related expenses for eligible next of kin.
“As of Oct 30, Sarawak has 346,171 KGC holders. Under the BIK scheme, RM75.3 million has been disbursed to 27,291 next of kin,” she said.
Rosey also highlighted the Home Help Services programme (KBDR), which provides social support to senior citizens and persons with disabilities through trained JKMS volunteers.
“As of Oct 30, RM2.5 million has been spent, with 665 senior citizens assisted by 250 JKMS volunteers under this programme,” she added.
