KOTA KINABALU: The State Government has been urged to extend the validity of the Senior Citizens Welfare Scheme to six months, instead of just three months now.
Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah vice president Datuk Nancy Ho, in making the call, stressed that the three months’ period was impractical, adding that “it is too short a time”.
“Many recipients do not understand the government’s policy that they actually have to come and renew their registration in every three months to continue enjoying the welfare scheme.
“But of course, the period is too short and would be a burden to them, so we are proposing it to be extended to six months,” she told reporters, yesterday after the launching of the Senior Citizens Welfare Day, organised by association’s Social Welfare Committee.
The event was officially launched by the Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Hajah Azizah Mohd Dun, who was represented by her assistant, Datuk Herbert Timbun Lagadan.
Ho said they have brought the matter up with the ministry’s permanent secretary, Datuk Asnimar Sukardi, and the latter had advised them to submit a letter of proposal to them.
“We will be submitting our proposal to the ministry soon,” assured Ho, hoping the government would give consideration to help lighten the applicants’ burden.
Earlier in her speech, Ho said the event aimed to provide information to the community, especially the senior citizens, on the various initiatives offered by the ministry to help ease the burden of those in need.
“We also hope that through the event, we will be able to assist the people to apply for social welfare aid from the government,” she said.
A total of 200 recipients, comprising 100 men and 100 women, registered for the welfare scheme.
Azizah, in her speech, commended the association’s initiative, adding that the programme has also helped the government in spreading a caring society message.
“The country is undergoing a huge social transformation, and the thrust of “One Malaysia, People First, Performance Now” fully reflects the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s aspirations to ensure that Malaysians, irrespective of race or gender, stay united to build a stronger nation and serve to perform to the best of their abilities,” she said.
She added that tremendous efforts are made to build human capital because the nation believes that its people are the country’s best assets.
“Hence, the Country’s Development Programme is geared towards serving the people and building their capacities. Efforts are made to ensure a high-income generation and promote equitable distribution of wealth to the people.
“As the country moves towards 2020 and achieving its developed nation status, the cost of living is inevitably increasing in spite of efforts to curb inflation. Therefore, the Government has embarked on various initiatives to lighten the financial burden of the people,” she said.
Azizah stressed that one of the initiatives was the distribution of the RM300 assistance to individuals including senior citizens, single parents and the underprivileged.
“The message is that the government is taking the lead to show that it cares. Moreover, with the increasing populations, there is stiffer competition for employment. Many households need to have both husband and wife in the workforce in order to meet the numerous physical and educational needs.
“Thus, children are often left on their own. What used to be extended families may now become nuclear families due to urban migration. Many senior citizens are perhaps required to fend for themselves. This is a pitiful state and the government has to step in to subsidise household income.
“It is heartening to note that the Federation of Chinese Association Sabah members have chosen to join hands with the government agencies to assist the elderly in applying for welfare fund. At the same time, today’s (yesterday) programme provides a platform for officers in the Social Welfare Services Department to clearly explain the correct application procedures,” said Azizah.
She was also happy to note that the programme was also an avenue to convey the message on the need for environmental protection through the 3R programme – Reuse, Reduce and Recycle.
Azizah commended the City Hall’s efforts for Anti-Kutu Sampah or Litterbug Campaign and say No to plastic bags, adding that city dwellers must join hands to create a caring society for a better tomorrow.