SIBU, Feb 1: The RM3,000 death compassionate assistance (BIK) distributed by Sarawak government to Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) holders will be reduced this year and replaced with health treatment assistance to better suit the needs of recipients during their lifetime.
In a news report by TVS, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah revealed that the adjustment was being made to address concerns raised by cardholders who felt they were not benefiting adequately from the existing assistance.
“In light of this, the death compassionate assistance (BIK) amounting to RM3,000 will be reduced.
“Many cardholders requested to receive the benefits of the assistance while they are still alive. In the amendment, we will reduce BIK and suggest that cardholders receive health treatment assistance,” she said when officiating at the 2024 Chinese New Year charity event organised by the Sarawak Social Welfare Department here today.
Following the amendment, KGC holders will have the opportunity to utilise the assistance for health treatments at private hospitals that are strategic partners of the KGC programme.
The Kenyalang Gold Card is an exclusive privilege for Sarawakians aged 60 years and above, offering various benefits such as discounts on products and services from strategic vendors, in addition to the RM3,000 BIK to cover funeral expenses for the cardholder.
BIK is only provided to KGC holders who are not covered by insurance, Tabung Haji, Social Security Organisation (Socso) and similar entities.
At the event, the Sarawak government distributed a total of RM765,000 as a contribution to 7,656 aid recipients from the Sarawak Social Welfare Department celebrating Chinese New Year.
Out of this, 1,764 recipients from Sibu Division received RM100 each, with 100 of them also receiving additional assistance, including hampers worth RM80, presented by Fatimah at the event. — DayakDaily
