FOR THE RECORD: Mohd Khairul (seated second left) recording data on an OKU during the campaign.
LAWAS: The monthly RM300 given by the Welfare Department to senior citizens aged 60 and above is to help offset the cost of living for the elderly.
Lawas district welfare officer Mohd Khairul Punggut said there are still many people with misconceptions on such welfare assistance.
“Several senior citizens who came to our office think the assistance is their old age pension, similar to that given by a neighbouring country to those 60 years and above,” Mohd Khairul said yesterday during an awareness and renewal of OKU card campaign for Sundar area.
During the campaign which involved Kampung Tanjung Katong, Kampung Aru Baru and Kampung Awat-awat, a total of 18 handicapped (OKU) were registered.
Two of them applied for assistance to buy wheelchairs and one applied for prosthetic legs.
He said the programme that involved a briefing for community leaders was a platform to explain to the people the correct procedure to apply for welfare aid.
“It enhances our efforts to promote the PDK Lawas (community-based rehabilitation centres) so they receive the necessary assistance,” he said.
It is also an avenue to exchange ideas while empowering community leaders on how to help OKU in their areas.
Mohd Khairul welcomed cooperation from various sectors including the District Health Department, community leaders and volunteers in disseminating information and identifying the target group so they would not missed out on the aid.