‘8,505 applications for Kenyalang Gold Card received so far’
KUCHING: A total of 8,505 application forms for the Kenyalang Gold Card ( KGC) have been received by the state Welfare Department (JKMS) as of Jan 21 this year, revealed Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.
According to her, most of the applications received were from Kuching (3,010) and Sibu (1,641).
She added that the department also received KGC applications from 10 other divisions; namely Serian (67), Samarahan (68), Sri Aman (378), Betong (295), Sarikei (686), Kapit (282), Mukah (241), Bintulu (583), Miri (873) and Limbang (381).
“We thus would like to thank our volunteers from nongovernmental organisations, political parties and government agencies for helping senior citizens to apply for the KGC,” she said during a press conference after chairing the Sarawak Women and Family Council meeting at a hotel here yesterday.
She also thanked Kuching South City Council (MBKS) for helping residents in KMC flats, as well as eligible residents in their area of administration to complete their KGC application forms.
While she appreciates the efforts by the NGOs or anyone who wants to help the elderly to apply for the KGC by opening counters in certain locations, Fatimah advised them to notify her ministry or JKMS first to avoid any problems.
“Applications can be made now despite the official launch of the KGC on March 7 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang
Johari Tun Openg during the Global Innovative Entrepreneur Symposium,” she said.
Fatimah disclosed that 31 vendors have confirmed their participation in the KGC so far, compared to 24 previously.
“We welcome strategic partners to offer discounts or rebates and services to KGC holders and we do hope this number will increase over time,” she said.
Meanwhile, Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, who was also present, submitted 539 KGC application forms which had been completed to JKMS director Joni Naruddin.
Wee said that MBKS would open several counters at their One Stop Centre in the MBKS building lobby daily from 8.30am to 4.30pm as well as at several strategic locations in MBKS to help senior citizens apply for the KGC.