Free medical check-ups for senior citizens under the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) initiative is expected to be implemented by at least 2024, according to Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
The Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) shared that the ministry has developed the mechanism for this programme, which will be presented for consideration at the State Executive Council (MMKN).
“The presentation will take place during MMKN once the Premier returns from his working visit to Sweden, Norway and London. Once it has been presented, agreed upon, and refined, we hope to implement it in 2024.”
She told the media this after witnessing the memorandum of agreement between KPWK and Swinburne Sarawak Sdn Bhd here on today (Aug 21).
In earlier reports, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had mentioned the state government’s plan to offer free medical check-ups to senior citizens who hold the KGC issued by Fatimah’s ministry.
“I am confident in implementing this initiative because we have collected significant revenue, allowing us to give back to the people,” he had said, referring to the nearly RM12bil in revenue collected by Sarawak last year, with expectations for more this year.
He further explained that in addition to the existing benefits, such as discounts on goods and services, the state government would cover the costs of medical check-ups for KGC holders.
Abang Johari tasked KPWK with finalising the details of this new initiative to be included in the list of benefits available to KGC holders.
The KGC was introduced by the state government in 2020 to improve the wellbeing and welfare of elderly citizens by providing them with privileges and benefits from various organisations and the commercial sector.
