KGC death aid benefit only for next-of-kin upon passing, says deputy minister

MIRI (Sept 1): The Death Compassionate Assistance (BIK) benefit for Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) holders will only be given to the card holder’s next-of-kin upon passing, said Datuk Rosey Yunus.

The Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Development Sarawak claimed that there were still many citizens who are still confused as to how the benefit can be claimed.

“The benefit is meant to cover funeral costs. When a KGC card holder applies for the card, they will not directly receive the fund.

“Instead, when the card holder passes away, their beneficiaries will receive the assistance for funeral purposes,” she said when met by reporters on Thursday, after visiting the family of the village chief of Rumah Ngumbang, who recently passed away.

She added that BIK is claimable at the offices of the Social Welfare Department at Rural Transformation Centre Bekenu or Miri.

“Among the benefits received by KGC card holders are discounts, rebates, and complementary goods and services offered by government agencies, private entities, and commercial centres, who are KGC’s strategic partners,” she said.

Rosey added that to apply for a KGC card, applicants must be a Malaysian who is a holder of a ‘K’ status identity card, aged 60 and above, with a monthly income of RM7,000 and below, and does not receive other funds from other agencies.