Consumer association, Kota Sentosa Service Centre to host programme for elderly this Oct 26

KUCHING (Oct 17): The Sarawak Consumer Welfare Association, in collaboration with the N12 Kota Sentosa Service Centre, will host a welfare programme for Sarawak’s elderly population on October 26 at the Kuching Sentral Complex.

Named “Happy and Healthy Sarawak Community,” the event aims to enhance the health and well-being of senior citizens by providing accessible services and essential health information, said Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap.

“A key feature of the event which starts from 10am to 5pm is the Senior Citizen Health Benefits (SCHB) program, which offers cashless outpatient treatment at participating clinics, with coverage of up to RM500 per year.

“Senior citizens can sign up for this program, which is supported by the Sarawak government, with clinics such as KPJ, Timberland, and Normah Hospital participating,” he told a press conference at his office today.

In addition to the SCHB, Yap mentioned that Sarawakian seniors will have the chance to apply for the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC), which provides various benefits and privileges throughout the state.

As part of the event, Alpro Clinic will conduct free health screenings, including checks on blood pressure, blood sugar, hearing, and body mass index (BMI).

OJO Eyewear will also offer complimentary eye screenings, ensuring a comprehensive approach to healthcare for attendees.

“The program also includes health talks led by Dr Valentine Anderson from Alpro Clinic. Topics such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and dengue will be discussed.

“Representatives from the Social Security Organisation (Socso) will be present as well to provide information on the self-employed scheme (SLAPS), enhancing senior citizens’ awareness of their workplace and social security benefits,” said Yap.

Local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as Wishesland, the Special Needs Society Kuching, and the Penan Women Project will also participate, showcasing and selling their products to raise funds for their continued community work.

For more information, the public can contact Jimmy Ling at 013-8036699 or Winston Chang at 011-10501111.

“This initiative reflects a commitment to empowering Sarawakians, particularly the elderly, with tools to better manage their health,” said Yap.

Also present at the press conference were Sarawak Consumer Welfare Association president Melson Chai and secretary Jimmy Ling.