MIRI: Sarawak is rapidly advancing towards becoming an ageing region, a reality that is both a challenge and an opportunity for its government and people.
According to a study by the Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing™), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), by 2028, 16 per cent of Sarawak’s population, approximately 448,000 out of 2.8 million, will be aged 60 and above.
This significant demographic shift presents both social and economic implications that Sarawak is already addressing with proactive measures.
The Sarawak government, led by the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood, and Community Well-being Development, has launched several programmes to ensure the well-being of its senior citizens.
Minister Datuk Sri Fatimah Abdullah has emphasised that the state’s focus is on both the immediate and long-term needs of its elderly population.
These initiatives, from financial support to healthcare access, showcase Sarawak’s dedication to fostering a safe, dignified, and prosperous environment for its ageing residents.
A Growing Population of Senior Citizens
The trend towards an ageing population in Sarawak has been apparent for several years.
In her speech at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Nov 29, 2022, Fatimah shared that the elderly population had been growing by 0.55 per cent annually since 2020. By 2022, the number of elderly residents reached 311,600, representing 12.6 per cent of the total population, up from 12.05 per cent in 2021.
As Sarawak’s elderly population grows at a faster rate than many other states in Malaysia, the government is committed to ensuring that adequate policies and programmes are in place to support them. Through initiatives that span healthcare, financial aid, and community engagement, Sarawak is actively addressing the challenges that come with an ageing society.
The Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC)
One of Sarawak’s cornerstone initiatives for senior citizens is the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC), a programme designed to provide financial and welfare support to its elderly residents. Launched to assist those aged 60 and above, the KGC offers benefits such as discounts on essential goods, services, and medical treatments.
The card is also linked to the Bentuan Ikhsan Kematian (BIK), which provides financial assistance to families upon the death of a cardholder. This compassionate initiative offers up to RM3,000 to cover funeral expenses, easing the financial burden on families during difficult times.
Since its introduction, the KGC has become a symbol of Sarawak’s commitment to ensuring that its senior citizens are treated with respect and care.
Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB)
In a bold move to further support senior citizens, Sarawak introduced the Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB) programme in 2024, an initiative launched by Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during the Sarawak Women’s Day celebration in Kuching.
With a target of reaching approximately 100,000 senior citizens across the state, the SCHB reflects the government’s dedication to improving healthcare access for its elderly population.
The SCHB programme is specifically designed for senior citizens from households earning RM7,000 or less per month. Under this program, beneficiaries are entitled to cashless outpatient treatment at designated panel clinics, with a maximum benefit of RM500 per person annually. The programme aims to relieve the financial burden of medical expenses while ensuring that senior citizens can access timely and necessary medical care without the added stress of healthcare costs.
The government has allocated RM50 million for the SCHB in 2024, highlighting the state’s significant investment in the health and well-being of its elderly residents.
With 187 clinics and 13 specialist hospitals included as panel providers, the SCHB programme is set to provide widespread coverage across Sarawak, including cities like Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri.
As of September 2024, over 75,000 individuals have already registered for the first phase of the SCHB programme. The initiative not only enhances the accessibility of medical services for the elderly but also contributes to easing the congestion in public healthcare facilities, ensuring more efficient service for all.
Financial Assistance and Welfare Programmes
Sarawak’s commitment to its elderly population extends beyond healthcare. The state government also provides financial assistance through various welfare programmes aimed at improving the quality of life for senior citizens. Among these is the Monthly Aid provided by the Sarawak Social Welfare Department, ensuring a safety net for elderly citizens who may struggle with financial insecurity.
Additionally, the RM450 Post-Natal Assistance (BIB) grant and the Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS) — which offers RM1,000 in savings to support education, career start-ups, or business capital — are initiatives designed with the long-term well-being of Sarawakians in mind.
These programmes, although not exclusively for the elderly, reflect the state’s comprehensive approach to welfare, ensuring that every stage of life is supported.
Moreover, the Sarawak government has introduced a RM5,000 Special Annual Grant (GTK) for registered early childhood institutions in Sarawak. This initiative, while primarily aimed at young children, plays a vital role in supporting multi-generational families, where grandparents often play a significant role in caregiving.
Another critical initiative is the Special Assistance for Kidney Patients, which ensures that individuals requiring dialysis receive the necessary care.
Celebrating Senior Citizens: Hari Warga Emas (HWE)
Recognising the contributions of senior citizens to Sarawak’s development, the state celebrates Hari Warga Emas (HWE) or Sarawak State Senior Citizens Day annually. This event, which will take place on Oct 1, 2024, is a time to honour the elderly, raise awareness of their needs, and promote greater inclusivity in society.
In 2022, HWE was celebrated in Bintulu, where various programmes and activities were held to engage and uplift the senior community.
The annual event not only serves as a reminder of the state’s commitment to its senior citizens but also fosters a sense of community and belonging among the elderly population.
A Forward-Looking Approach
Sarawak’s proactive stance on addressing the needs of its ageing population is a testament to its forward-thinking leadership. The state government’s comprehensive roadmap includes both immediate assistance programmes and long-term strategies designed to create a society where senior citizens can age with dignity and security.
From healthcare access through the SCHB programme to financial assistance under the Kenyalang Gold Card and Monthly Aid programmes, Sarawak is ensuring that its elderly citizens are not left behind.
By recognising the unique challenges posed by an ageing population and responding with tailored solutions, the state is setting a model for other regions to follow.
As Sarawak approaches 2028, when it will officially become an ageing region, these initiatives reflect not only the government’s concern for the well-being of its senior citizens but also its commitment to building a more inclusive, caring, and sustainable society for all generations.
