By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, Oct 12: RM50 million has been allocated by the Sarawak government for the Senior Citizen Health Benefit programme.
According to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the programme will provide cashless outpatient care of up to RM500 per person per year for households earning RM7,000 and below.
In addition, RM14.2 million is allocated for the Bantuan Perubatan and Bantuan Pesakit Buah Pinggang initiatives, enabling timely treatment and easing the burden of dialysis for end-stage kidney patients.
“Complementing this is the Kenyalang Gold Card, which extends fast, compassionate assistance of RM1,800, with RM12 million allocated to ease the financial burden of bereavement.
“‘Ini betul-betul dari lahir sampai kubur’ (‘This truly is support from birth to the grave’),” he said when tabling the Supply Bill (2027), 2026, or Sarawak Budget 2027, at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) today.
Meanwhile, he said that the State government allocated RM1.4 million for homeless transit centres in Sibu, Kuching, Miri, and Bintulu.
The State government also allocated RM1 million for a special needs community centre, RM850,000 for community social support centres in Kuching, Sri Aman, Sibu, Bintulu, Lawas, and Mukah, and RM300,000 for a community halfway home in Sibu.
“Beyond financial and health support, the State government invests in social support facilities to protect and empower vulnerable groups,” he said. — DayakDaily
