By Dayak Daily Team
KUCHING, Aug 8: Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong has called on the Sarawak government to provide a clear explanation and justification for reducing the death benefit amount under the Kenyalang Gold Card scheme from RM3,000 to RM1,800.
In a statement today, Yong emphasised that the significant reduction in death benefits has raised serious concerns among senior citizens and their beneficiaries, especially given the State’s strong financial standing.
“The Sarawak government is duty-bound to be transparent on this matter, addressing why such a cut was made and how it aligns with their commitment to the welfare of the people,” she stated.
Yong explained that according to the Sarawak Welfare Department, if a Kenyalang Gold Cardholder passed away before July 1 this year, their beneficiaries could still apply for the RM3,000 death benefit.
However, for those who passed away after July 1, their beneficiaries would only be eligible for RM1,800, a reduction of RM1,200.
Yong further highlighted that no official announcement had been made by either the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development or the Sarawak Welfare Department before implementing this reduction policy, leaving the public confused.
“The whole matter has been handled in a discreet manner, which has angered many,” she remarked.
Yong expressed disappointment that while the Sarawak Welfare Department has introduced an RM500 annual health aid for senior citizens this year, it has simultaneously reduced the death benefit under the Kenyalang Gold Card scheme.
She pointed out that even when combining the RM500 health aid with the RM1,800 death benefit, the total welfare benefits only amount to RM2,300, which is still less than the previous RM3,000 death benefit under the Kenyalang Gold Card.
Yong noted that in the first quarter of 2024, the government had announced a revenue of RM7.66 billion, leading to an estimated annual revenue of over RM30 billion.
She argued that there is no justification for reducing the benefits originally provided to the people.
“If the Sarawak government claims to have such high annual revenue, then there is no reason to reduce the current RM3,000 death benefit for Kenyalang Gold Card beneficiaries,” she added.
Yong concluded by urging the state government to allocate additional funding for the RM500 annual health aid for senior citizens while maintaining the RM3,000 death benefit under the Kenyalang Gold Card welfare scheme. — DayakDaily
