KUCHING: As of Feb 28, 197,122 have registered for the Kenyalang Golden Card (KGC), making up 62.57 percent of the overall elderly community in Sarawak (315,00 people).
This was revealed by Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah based on the data from the State Welfare Department (JKMS).
She revealed the figure in her speech during her visit to H&L Xtra, Eco Mall in Petrajaya, one of KGC strategic partners, today.
Her visit was a symbolic gesture in fulfilling the agreement with H&L Xtra as a strategic partner, with the hope that more new members will apply for the card.
“As of now, we have 201 companies registered becoming partners and we welcome their involvement to ensure the success of the KGC programme from now onwards,” she said.
The KGC programme is an initiative by the state government to focus on the elderly and ageing community.
“Thus, it is only right we accord them respect, love and assistance so they enjoy their golden years with love, care and accorded respect and dignity that they deserve.
The card holds many benefits which provide resources to elderly community in order to improve their welfare and wellbeing.
“H&L has 14 outlets in Kuching, Samarahan and Serian and they offer free memberships to KGC card holders and enjoy special offers at any of the outlets,” she added.
“KGC card holders can also enjoy discount and rebate for essentials and services offered in private sectors and commercial centres that are KGC strategic partners.
“They can enjoy the health benefits (medicine, recovery and pharmacy), public transportation, essentials (retail, clothes, shoes and optical items), reflexology, massage and spa, manicure and pedicure, hairdressing, theme parks and recreational parks,” she added.
“KGC card holders will also receive Death Compassionate Assistance (BIK) which will help alleviate the burden of funerary cost.
“Heirs of KGC card holders will be eligible to receive BIK as much as RM3,000 and claim it in four months after a related KGC card holder has passed away,” said Fatimah in her speech.
As of Jan 1 until Feb 28, a total of 969 applications for BIK were received whereas in 2020, there were 1864 BIK applications received by JKMS, making a total of 2833 applications.
Also attending the event were Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Law, State-Federal Government Relations and Project Monitoring) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Assistant Minister of Community Wellbeing Datuk Francis Harden Hollis and Sarawak Social Welfare Department director Noriah Ahmad.
