By Amanda L
KUCHING, May 11: Sarawak Governor (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has urged the establishment of a more robust and structured care system to better support the State’s ageing population, patients requiring long-term care and children with special needs.
Delivering his address at the opening of the First Meeting of the Fifth Term of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) here today, Wan Junaidi said Sarawak must strengthen its social support system in anticipation of becoming an ageing society by 2028.
“While existing initiatives such as the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) and Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB) have provided meaningful assistance, a more comprehensive and coordinated care framework is needed to ensure long-term welfare and quality of life for vulnerable groups.
“Welfare and well-being of the people must remain a priority, especially senior citizens, persons with disabilities, children, and vulnerable communities,” he said.
In line with this, Wan Junaidi also emphasised the importance of inclusive urban planning and infrastructure development, stressing that public facilities must be designed to be elderly- and disability-friendly.
He urged engineers, architects, and relevant agencies involved in development planning to integrate accessibility and inclusivity into all future projects, so that no group is left behind in Sarawak’s development progress.
At the same time, he said the State should continue to recognise and utilise the contributions of active senior citizens through suitable programmes, including community involvement, mentoring, and flexible work opportunities.
His remarks formed part of a broader policy address covering Sarawak’s long-term development agenda under the Post-Covid Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) which emphasises inclusive growth, social welfare and sustainable development. — DayakDaily
