RM85.1 mln in death aid disbursed under Kenyalang Gold Card

A total of 33,764 next of kin have received RM85.1 million in death assistance under the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) initiative since its introduction in 2020.

Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the scheme had reached 410,847 cardholders as at Sept 30 this year.

“Compared with just 46 strategic partners in 2020, there are now 1,345 strategic partners registered as KGC merchants,” she pointed out in her ministerial winding-up speech during the Budget State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today (Oct 20).

The cumulative death assistance payouts and cardholder figures cover the period from the scheme’s introduction in 2020 until Sept 30, 2026.

The initiative forms part of Sarawak’s support for its growing elderly population, which is approaching the threshold for an ageing society.

Citing the Current Population Estimates 2025 published by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Fatimah said people aged 60 and above accounted for an estimated 14 per cent of Sarawak’s population.

“This is just one percentage point below the 15 per cent benchmark set under the National Policy for Older Persons.

“In line with this demographic shift, the Sarawak government continues to strengthen the support ecosystem for older persons to safeguard their wellbeing, health, protection and care needs, while also supporting families and caregivers,” she said.