Seniors utilise RM39.7 mln of Sarawak health benefit up till October
by Aliah Abdullah · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Nov 27): Sarawak’s Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB) has paid out RM39.7 million ringgit this year as of Oct 30, said Datuk Rosey Yunus.
The Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development said SCHB offers cashless outpatient treatment of up to RM500 per year for eligible senior citizens.
“As of Oct 30, 2025, a total of 156,193 eligible senior citizens have benefited from this facility, with RM39.7 million spent at 263 registered panel clinics,” she said during the question-and-answer session at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex.
She explained that SCHB is open to Malaysian citizens with ‘K’ status aged 60 and above, earning a household income of RM7,000 or below, and not receiving outpatient treatment coverage from any other agency.
Rosey was responding to Dr Simon Sinang Bada (GPS-Tebedu), who had asked what assistance and programmes are available to support senior citizens in the state.
For the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC), which allows senior citizens to enjoy discounts and rebates from registered merchants, she said as of Oct 30, there were 346,171 KGC holders.
“As of October 2025, out of 1,140 registered KGC strategic partners across Sarawak, 35 are located in the Serian Division,” she said.
Since its introduction in 2020, a total of 15,790 senior citizens in the Serian Division have registered as KGC holders.
Rosey said another initiative for senior citizens is the Bereavement Assistance (BIK), aimed at easing funeral expenses upon the death of a KGC holder.
“Only the next-of-kin of eligible KGC holders will receive the BIK. As of Oct 30, 2025, a total of 27,291 next-of-kin have received the financial assistance with a total expenditure of RM75.3 million,” Rosey noted.
For the Senior Citizens Assistance (BWE), she said eligible senior citizens receive RM600 per month.
“The purpose of this assistance is to help them cover their basic living expenses,” she said.
Additionally, Rumah Seri Kenangan provides care, protection, and full treatment for senior citizens who have no next-of-kin or source of income.
“Currently, there are two RSK institutions, located in Kuching and Sibu, with 75 residents and 33 residents respectively,” she said.
To improve engagement and quality of life among senior citizens, the state government has also established eight Senior Citizens Service Centres (PPWE) and 29 Senior Citizens Activity Centres (PAWE).
“These centres serve as a social outreach and developmental service for senior citizens, involving strategic collaboration between various government agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs),” she said, adding that their programmes include spiritual, health, social, economic, and environmental activities.
On social support services, Rosey said the Home Help Services (KBDR) programme assists senior citizens and persons with disabilities (OKU) in their homes.
“As of Oct 30, 2025, a total of 665 senior citizens has been assisted by 250 JKMS volunteers, with an expenditure of RM2.5 million,” she said.