Wee (right) handing over the KGC application forms to Joni (left) during the press conference, which was witnessed by Fatimah (centre) today. – Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: A total of 8,505 applications forms for the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) have been received by the state Social Welfare Department (JKMS) as of Jan 21, this year, revealed Minister of Welfare, Community Welfare, Women, Family and Children’s Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.
Fatimah said out of the total number of applications, the state Social Welfare Department received most number of applications from Kuching with 3,010 applications, followed by Sibu with 1,641 applications.
She added that the state Social Welfare Department also received KGC applications forms from 10 other divisions namely Serian (67 applications), Samarahan (68 applications), Sri Aman (378 applications), Betong (295 applications), Sarikei (686 applications), Kapit (282 applications), Mukah (241 applications), Bintulu ( 583 applications), Miri (873 applications) and Limbang (381 applications).
“We thus would like to thank our volunteers from non-governmental organisations, political parties and government agencies for helping senior citizens to apply for the KGC,” she said during a press conference after chairing the Sarawak Women’s and Family Council Meeting at a hotel here today
She also thanked the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) for helping residents in KMC flats, as well as eligible residents in their area of administration to complete their application forms for KGC.
While she appreciates the efforts by the NGOs or anyone who want to help the elderly to apply for the KGC by opening counters in certain locations, Fatimah advised them to notify her ministry or JKMNS first to avoid any problems.
“Applications can be made now despite the official launch of the KGC on March 7 at the Borneo Convention Center Kuching (BCCK) by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during the Global Innovative Entrepreneur Symposium,” she said.
Fatimah disclosed that 31 vendors have confirmed their participation in the KGC so far, compared to 24 previously.
“We welcome strategic partners to offer discounts or rebates and services to KGC holders and we do hope this number will increase over time,” she said.
Meanwhile, MBKS mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, who was also present, submitted 539 KGC application forms which had been completed to JKMNS director Joni Naruddin.
Wee said that MBKS would open several counters at their One Stop Centre in the MBKS building lobby daily from 8.30am to 4.30pm as well as at several strategic locations in the area to help senior citizens to apply for the KGC.