Rep pays tribute to senior citizens at gathering
KAPIT: Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat on Thursday attended the Senior Citizens Service Centre (PPWE) gathering at the residence of Penghulu Wong Kie Ing here to meet its committee members.
In his address, Jamit lauded the PPWE for being active in organising activities involving its members and other senior citizens in the longhouses.
He also paid tribute to the senior citizens whom regarded as “important assets” because of their wide experiences and skills acquired over the years.
“PPWE under the Social Welfare Department has been entrusted to organise socialrecreational activities to involve senior citizens. It is the aim of the government that the senior citizens actively participate in the activities to stay healthy and socialise among one another,” he added.
He said many of them are pensioners staying at home while some were self-employed, naming Temenggong Wilfred Billy Panyau, who was a Warrant Officer in the Sarawak Rangers, as among them who still contributed to society.
He added that the government recognised their valuable experiences, knowledge and skills, and had appointed them as community leaders, village heads and advisers.
In appreciation of their contributions to society, he said the state government had introduced the Kenyalang Gold Card ( KGC) which the senior citizens could use to get special discounts in participating outlets and clinics.
“I encourage all senior citizens to apply for the KGC which is open throughout the year. The forms are available at the Kapit
Social Welfare Department office,” Jamit said.
He announced a grant of RM5,000 to the PPWE while Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang through his aide Wallace Hilter announced a grant of RM5,000 for the centre.
Meanwhile, Wilfred Billy, who is the chairman of the PPWE, said the gathering was attended by committee members only as they could not involve ordinary members because of the Recovery Movement Control Order.
“We have planned many activities for this year. Unfortunately, due to the outbreak of Covid-19, all the planned activities were suspended for the time being,” he said.
Kapit district officer Cerisologo Sabut and Kapit Social Welfare officer Dariel Thiong were present.