Tweaking KGC terms to benefit holders

Kenyalang Gold Card death compassionate aid to be amended to allow usage for medical treatment

The Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development will amend the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) death compassionate assistance this year, said minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.

She said this was following feedback from KGC cardholders that they are not benefiting from the assistance, and suggested that the benefits be provided to them while they are still alive.

“This death compassionate assistance is part of the Kenyalang Gold Card, given to the next-of-kin of cardholders (to cover funeral expenses of the deceased) who will receive aid of RM3,000.

“But beginning this year, we will carry out amendments to the death compassionate assistance. We will reduce the death compassionate assistance, but during the lifetime of KGC holders, we suggest that the aid received be in the form of health care.

“That means for medical fees,” Fatimah said during the ‘Sejambak Kasih’ Chinese New Year programme here yesterday.

However, Fatimah said the ministry will cap the level of assistance for cardholders whose monthly income is above RM7,000.

“If more than that, they have to top up (the medical fees) themselves,” she added.

KGC, launched in March 2020, allows all senior citizens in Sarawak aged 60 and above to enjoy special privileges and discounts at participating

We will reduce the death compassionate assistance, but during the lifetime of KGC holders, we suggest that the aid received be in the form of health care. That means for medical fees.

Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah

partner outlets.

In July last year, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said KGC cardholders would be provided with free health screenings, with the cost borne by the state government.

He said at the time that he had instructed for this to be included as one of the benefits under the card.

As of last year, there are more than 200,000 KGC cardholders throughout the state.