Sarawakians struggling with medical costs urged to apply for State assistance

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By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Feb 12: Sarawakians who are struggling to cope with rising medical expenses are urged to apply for the State government’s Medical Assistance or Bantuan Perubatan (BP) programme to ensure they can continue receiving treatment without financial hardship.

Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the programme was introduced to help individuals and families from low- and middle-income groups who require urgent medical care but lack the means to fully finance their treatment.

“Each application is professionally assessed and presented at the monthly Medical Assistance Management Committee meeting to ensure transparency and fairness in the approval process,” she told a press conference held at her office in Baitul Makmur 2 here today.

As of January this year, 17 applications have already been approved, reflecting continued demand for medical support among vulnerable groups.

The Medical Assistance programme, implemented through the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS), provides financial support for five main areas: medical and rehabilitation equipment, nutritional supplements such as milk, medication costs, surgery and implant expenses, as well as transportation and accommodation for patients and their caregivers.

To qualify for the assistance, applicants must be Malaysian citizens holding a ‘K’ status identity card and residing in Sarawak. They must also be patients referred by government medical specialists or officers and belong to the B40 or M40 groups with a per capita income not exceeding RM1,020 per month.

Applicants must not be receiving full financial coverage for treatment from any other government agency, private sector, non-governmental organisation or individual donor. The assistance is generally not provided on a reimbursement basis, except for travel and accommodation claims.

In addition, applicants must not be receiving full financial coverage from other government agencies, private institutions, non-governmental organisations or individuals.

The assistance is generally not provided on a reimbursement basis except for claims related to transportation and accommodation.

Fatimah urged patients and family members not to delay seeking help but to approach the nearest Divisional Social Welfare Office (Pejabat Kebajikan Masyarakat Bahagian) to obtain application forms and guidance.

The Sarawak Medical Assistance programme has disbursed RM432,429 in 2021 with 9 cases, RM195,000 in 2022 with 2 cases, RM769,442.76 in 2023 with 28 cases, RM1,301,394.16 in 2024 with 61 cases, RM979,825.78 in 2025 with 74 cases, and RM349,990.25 in January 2026 with 17 cases, benefiting a total of 191 patients since its launch. – DayakDaily

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