(Kuching, 7th) The incident of incorrect registration of medical welfare for the elderly in Sarawak highlights the Sarawak government's inadequacies in handling citizens' data. Due to this incident, the Sarawak government can enhance the system to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Sarawak DAP's Youth Wing Secretary Geogre Lam Li Kang made this statement in a press release today.
Geogre Lam Li Kang pointed out that on the 24th of last month, Mr. Tian, who had never used his RM500 Sarawak elderly medical welfare, went to a designated clinic by the welfare department intending to see a doctor, only to find that his RM500 medical welfare had been zeroed out. Before seeking the DAP's help, he had already gone to the welfare department to verify but to no avail, and turned to the DAP for assistance.
"On the 24th, I took Mr. Tian to the police station to report, and on the 26th, I held a press conference to announce this matter, allowing the public to check whether there is any balance in their medical welfare, raising public awareness to ensure there is no abuse of this welfare."
He stated that he was very pleased to receive contact from the welfare department officials and SAINS, the company responsible for the Sarawak government's information system, on the same evening. They confirmed that another recipient with the same name as Mr. Tian had "accidentally" used the medical welfare originally belonging to Mr. Tian due to an incorrect entry at the clinic.
"The officials also informed me that, in the original system, the welfare department designated clinics only relied on names to assist recipients in claiming medical welfare and did not use ID numbers for dual verification. Now, after this incident, SAINS has proactively enhanced the system to ensure similar incidents do not recur, and no one will be able to misappropriate medical welfare due to having the same name."
He said, in the end, the officials resolved the issue in less than two days, allowing Mr. Tian to use his original medical welfare by the end of 2024. He thanked the officials for handling the matter so efficiently and bringing it to a satisfactory resolution.
Geogre Lam Li Kang emphasized that today, almost all welfare for the people of Sarawak relies on the support of online systems for implementation. This incident undoubtedly serves as a wake-up call for the Sarawak government to be extra vigilant in maintaining the confidentiality of citizens' data, ensuring it is not abused by irresponsible persons, thereby safeguarding the interests of the people.
"In any case, the Sarawak DAP will constantly supervise the implementation of various measures by the Sarawak government to ensure the people's welfare is protected."