KUCHING: Over 220,000 Kenyalang Gold Cards (KGC) have been printed and distributed since its introduction in 2020.
Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah disclosed that from Jan 1, 2020 until July 31 this year, a total of 225,492 senior citizens have received their KGC cards.
“To date, we have 383 private companies and commercial centres registered as KGC strategic partners.
“Of the figure, 144 are in Kuching, Miri (49), Sibu (34), Sri Aman (34), Bintulu (27), Sarikei (26), Kota Samarahan (20), Mukah (14), Limbang (11), Serian (nine), Betong (eight) and Kapit (seven).
“The figure will increase and the Social Welfare Department is responsible for identifying and inviting companies, private bodies, departments or agencies to become KGC’s strategic partners,” she said in a press conference at Baitul Makmur Building II today.
To date, the department has also disbursed a total of RM27,378,000 to 9,126 heirs of eligible KGC holders in death compassionate assistance.
At the same time, Fatimah said there were issues like a lot of KGCs yet to be collected and complaints by applicants that they have not received their cards.
“I urge them to contact the KGC team via teamkgc2020@gmail.com or call them or WhatsApp them at 017-8040960 on the status of their cards.
“Some had changed their telephone number or address and thus, could not be contacted. Which is why they can now contact the team through the email or phone number mentioned above,” she said, adding Kuching district has the most unclaimed (KGC) cards.
She explained that the facilities of KGC were in the form of discounts, rebates, or waived fees for goods and services offered by government agencies, the private sector, and commercial outlets who are KGC strategic partners.
Facilities offered are related to healthcare, public transport, and essentials such as groceries, clothing, optical, personal care, reflexology, massage and spa, manicure/pedicure, and hairdressing.
Fatimah said the aim of KGC was to enhance the well-being and welfare of the elderly in Sarawak through the provision of certain privileges and benefits from organisations and commercial sectors.
To be eligible to apply, the applicant would need to be a Malaysian citizen with a ‘K’ status identity card, be a permanent resident of Sarawak, and be aged 60 or above.
