SIBU: The Sarawak government is preparing to propose the addition of health benefits to the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) programme, with plans to present this proposal to the Cabinet in the near future.
Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah revealed that Sarawak is expected to become an aging state by 2028, earlier than most other states in Malaysia, which are projected to reach this demographic transition by 2030.
“In anticipation of this change, several critical aspects need attention, and the KGC programme is one of the services developed by the Sarawak government.
“Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has already publicly announced the addition of health benefits to the KGC programme,” said the Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development.
“With the blessings of the Cabinet’s approval, we will make an official announcement to the public once the details are presented and approved,” she said during a press conference here on Tuesday (Sept 12).
In July, Abang Johari had disclosed that Sarawakians aged 60 and above would soon receive free health check-ups, courtesy of the Sarawak government.
This privilege will be integrated into the KGC, which is administered by the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development.
Abang Johari stressed that the KGC’s benefits would extend beyond discounts on purchases, as the government would also cover the costs of health examinations for this demographic.