(Kuching, 3rd) The digitalization of the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) has become an important driver in enhancing service convenience for seniors. Once individuals reach the age of 60, the system will automatically activate a virtual KGC card through SarawakPASS.
Sarawak Minister of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, stated that the digitalization of KGC is not just a system upgrade.
"This digitalization is more than just a system upgrade—it's to make it easier for seniors to enjoy the various conveniences provided by the KGC," she highlighted today during her department's wrap-up at the State Legislative Assembly session.
In line with the public service digitalization agenda, the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS) officially launched the KGC virtual card at the closing ceremony of the "International Conference on Ageing" (SICA).
As of now, a total of 315,106 qualified KGC holders across Sarawak have benefited, enjoying various conveniences and discounts at 1,140 strategic partner merchants throughout Sarawak.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing has also started preliminary work through research and international conferences to deliberate policies and action blueprints to further enhance the overall welfare of seniors.
The study, titled "A Study to Prepare for an Ageing Sarawak: The Profile and Aging Issues of Sarawak Seniors," involves 6,094 respondents aged 55 and above, as well as 396 focus group information providers.
She pointed out that the research was launched on October 1, 2024, and will be fully completed by August 30, 2025, with the aim of improving the quality of life for Sarawak's seniors.
She also mentioned that SICA 2025, held this year, successfully brought together 539 participants, 18 local experts, and 11 international experts.
During the conference, various activities were held, including keynote speeches, plenary meetings, parallel forums, and panel discussions, exploring aging issues from various perspectives.
"Our ministry plans to take follow-up actions based on the research outcomes and resolutions reached at SICA 2025, in order to enhance the quality of life for seniors, reduce service gaps, and ensure inclusive development for the next generation," she said.
To this end, Fatimah emphasized that the ministry will continue to strengthen senior welfare through multiple initiatives, including community development, service digitalization, accessible healthcare, and capacity building for caregivers.
She further elaborated that Senior Citizen Service Centres (PPWE) and Senior Citizen Activity Centres (PAWE) have been established as active community hubs to ensure that seniors remain productive and actively participate in social activities.
Meanwhile, the improvement of senior welfare is also supported by the "Senior Citizen Health Benefit Scheme" (SCHB). Currently, there are 208,336 eligible seniors across Sarawak who can enjoy cashless health care benefits at 263 registered medical institutions.
In addition, the authorities have also initiated multiple awareness and prevention programs as well as dementia care projects, focusing on early detection, healthy lifestyles, caregiver training, cognitive screening, and community support, all aimed at reducing the risks and impacts of dementia.
Sarawak Minister of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, stated that the digitalization of KGC is not just a system upgrade.
"This digitalization is more than just a system upgrade—it's to make it easier for seniors to enjoy the various conveniences provided by the KGC," she highlighted today during her department's wrap-up at the State Legislative Assembly session.
As of now, a total of 315,106 qualified KGC holders across Sarawak have benefited, enjoying various conveniences and discounts at 1,140 strategic partner merchants throughout Sarawak.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing has also started preliminary work through research and international conferences to deliberate policies and action blueprints to further enhance the overall welfare of seniors.
The study, titled "A Study to Prepare for an Ageing Sarawak: The Profile and Aging Issues of Sarawak Seniors," involves 6,094 respondents aged 55 and above, as well as 396 focus group information providers.
She pointed out that the research was launched on October 1, 2024, and will be fully completed by August 30, 2025, with the aim of improving the quality of life for Sarawak's seniors.
She also mentioned that SICA 2025, held this year, successfully brought together 539 participants, 18 local experts, and 11 international experts.
During the conference, various activities were held, including keynote speeches, plenary meetings, parallel forums, and panel discussions, exploring aging issues from various perspectives.
"Our ministry plans to take follow-up actions based on the research outcomes and resolutions reached at SICA 2025, in order to enhance the quality of life for seniors, reduce service gaps, and ensure inclusive development for the next generation," she said.
To this end, Fatimah emphasized that the ministry will continue to strengthen senior welfare through multiple initiatives, including community development, service digitalization, accessible healthcare, and capacity building for caregivers.
She further elaborated that Senior Citizen Service Centres (PPWE) and Senior Citizen Activity Centres (PAWE) have been established as active community hubs to ensure that seniors remain productive and actively participate in social activities.
Meanwhile, the improvement of senior welfare is also supported by the "Senior Citizen Health Benefit Scheme" (SCHB). Currently, there are 208,336 eligible seniors across Sarawak who can enjoy cashless health care benefits at 263 registered medical institutions.
In addition, the authorities have also initiated multiple awareness and prevention programs as well as dementia care projects, focusing on early detection, healthy lifestyles, caregiver training, cognitive screening, and community support, all aimed at reducing the risks and impacts of dementia.