Wee (front row, sixth left) in a photo call with federation members, event organising committee and some KGC recipients.
KUCHING: Some 300 senior citizens received their Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) during an event organised by Federation of Chinese Associations of Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions, here yesterday.
Those interviewed gave their thumbs up to the initiative rolled out by the state government, saying the card offered access to various benefits and assistances specifically catered to the needs of senior citizens.
One senior citizen, who wished to be known as Goh, 70, said the he was drawn to applying for the card after being informed that no annual charges imposed.
“The actual application process was very smooth and I’m looking forward to using KGC. I believe we have nothing to lose in signing up for this card anyway,” he said.
Goh and his wife, who are both pensioners, collected their cards at a coffee shop in Gala City, Jalan Datuk Tawi Sli where the event was held.
Choon with her Kenyalang Gold Card.
For Jennifer Choon, 61, she said the medical benefits available to cardholders were something she valued above all other perks offered by KGC.
“Other discounts, if they cannot give, it is okay but most important of all, they must give the medical side (benefits),” said Choon, who is due to retire soon.
She also suggested the state government pay more attention to the medical needs of senior citizens in the state.
Foo shows his Kenyalang Gold Card.
Self-employed Foo Chin Chia, 63, welcomed the various rebates and discounts offered through KGC, and hoped more benefits would be gradually added through the addition of more merchants or vendors.
“Whether it’s medical benefits or discounts, all these are favourable to the people,” said Foo, who applied for his card online.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations president Dato Richard Wee when met at the event said the federation is assisting the state Welfare Department in distributing the cards.
“We were asked by the state Welfare Department to assist and we were allocated a certain number of cards to be distributed,” he said.