By Amanda L
KUCHING, Nov 24: Sarawak will continue its RM500 annual health benefit for senior citizens and expand social assistance schemes under the 2026 State Budget, reinforcing support for vulnerable groups across the State.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Senior Citizens Health Benefit, launched in August 2024, provides cashless outpatient treatment at panel clinics for households earning RM7,000 and below.
“An allocation of RM50 million in 2026 will benefit 100,000 senior citizens across Sarawak,” he said during the tabling of the Sarawak Budget 2026 at the Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
Other key initiatives include the RM1,800 Death Compassionate Assistance for Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) holders, with RM10 million allocation next year, as well as RM4 million set aside for Bantuan Khas Pesakit Buah Pinggang to support dialysis for patients with end-stage kidney failure.
Meanwhile, support for mothers and children continues, with RM20 million for Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS) to provide newborns with a financial foundation, RM5 million for Bantuan Ibu Bersalin (BIB) to ease childbirth costs, and RM3.9 million to strengthen services for children with special needs at One-Stop Early Intervention Centres in Kuching, Dalat, and Miri.
Welfare and financial assistance remain a priority, with RM55.8 million earmarked for programmes including Bantuan Am, Bantuan Belia-Beliawanis, Bantuan Kanak-Kanak, Bantuan OKU Tidak Berupaya Bekerja, and Bantuan Bencana.
Abang Johari added that social support infrastructure is also being strengthened, with RM3 million for a Special Needs Community Centre; RM1 million for Community Social Support Centres in Kuching, Sri Aman, Sibu, Bintulu, Lawas, and Mukah; and RM600,000 for Temporary Shelters for Low-Income Recovery Communities in Sibu and Bintulu. — DayakDaily
