KUCHING: The Sarawak Cabinet recently approved the implementation of the Kenyalang Gold Card for senior citizens, starting January next year.
Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the Cabinet had also approved an allocation of RM24.4mil for the purpose.
“Applicants can start applying in January as preparations are still ongoing.
“We will have a launching ceremony whereby we will give out the cards to the first batch of recipients on the same day,” she told reporters at her office in Baitulmakmur building here, yesterday.
The Kenyalang Gold Card is initiated by Fatimah’s ministry through the Sarawak Women and Family Council.
The card will enable holders to enjoy special privileges and discounts at partner outlets in the state.
To apply for the card, an applicant must fulfil the following criteria, namely; Malaysian citizen, MyKad ‘K’ (Sarawak) status holder, Sarawak permanent resident status as well as aged 60 and above on or after Jan 1, 2020.
Application forms can be obtained at Sarawak Social Welfare Department office, Resident’s Office or District Office.
There are 24 strategic partners who have agreed to collaborate with the ministry to give rebates and discounts for such benefits as shoes, food outlets, optical, medical, health products and services, transportation, employment, and telecommunication.
“We hope to get more strategic partners onboard,” she said, adding that the ministry welcomed more companies to come forward for collaboration.
In addition to the benefits, a Death Compassionate Assistance (BIK) equivalent to RM3,000 will be given to the cardholder not covered by other parties such as Civil Service Pension Scheme or Social Security Organisation Survivor’s Pension.
“The BIK assistance is not automatic. The application must be done manually by the heir after the cardholder had passed away and the assistance can be used for burial expenses and so on.
“Upon receiving the application, we will look into it, case by case.
“For cases where the late cardholder has no family members, it (BIK assistance) will be channelled to charitable bodies,” Fatimah explained.
Also present at the press conference was Sarawak Family and Women Council member Heidi Munan.
