KUCHING: The Sarawak Government continues to strengthen its social protection network through the implementation of various Premier of Sarawak initiatives centred on the well-being of people across all age groups.

Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, said that since 2017, a total of 138 initiatives have been implemented, covering the areas of economy, welfare, and social well-being.

“A wide range of welfare initiatives have brought significant benefits to target groups, including the Maternity Assistance (RM39.24 million), Sarawak Endowment Fund (RM139 million), Special Annual Grant for IPAKK (RM91.9 million), Childcare Fee Subsidy (RM7.48 million), and Special Assistance for Kidney Patients (RM14.79 million),” she said.

She said this when officiating at the Demi Rakyat Southern Zone 2025 programme organised by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) at the Waterfront Hotel here on Thursday.

Meanwhile, she emphasised that the Sarawak Government does not merely make promises but truly implements policies that bring real impact to the people.

She added that the State Government is also attentive to the needs of senior citizens, especially as Sarawak approaches the status of an “ageing state”, where over 14 per cent of its population will be aged 65 and above.

“Sarawak currently records 14 per cent of its population aged 60 and above, the second highest after Perak. This highlights the need for more comprehensive social and healthcare planning,” she said.

Among the state’s key efforts are the implementation of the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) and the Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB) schemes to enhance support for the elderly.

The newly introduced SCHB initiative, launched in August 2024, provides annual healthcare benefits worth RM500 to senior citizens from households earning RM7,000 and below.

Through collaboration with 290 panel clinics across the state, senior citizens now have easier access to basic health check-ups and treatments without the burden of medical costs.

Dato Sri Fatimah also highlighted the crucial role of officers at the GPS Constituency Service Centres (ADUN and Parliament) as the government’s frontline representatives, ensuring that policies and aid are delivered effectively and accurately to the grassroots.

“The success of all these initiatives depends on the efficiency and sincerity of field officers who act as the vital link between the government and the people,” she stressed.

Also present were Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, UKAS Director, Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan, UKAS Deputy Director, Mohamed Faizal Shah Ali, and Head of the Senior Citizen Services Branch, Welfare Department, Haslinda Supu. -UKASnews