There are currently 345, 000 senior citizens in Sarawak.
This was based on the statistic by the Ministry for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development that was revealed during the Senior Citizens Empowerment Action Plan Sarawak workshop.
Taking place on 14 February 2022 in Kuching, one of the main objectives of the two-day workshop was to discuss six action plans for the development of senior citizens in Sarawak and gather inputs from various agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) regarding programs aimed at nurturing a caring society and enhancing the service delivery to the senior citizens.
Twenty-two agencies and departments were involved in the workshop which included Social Welfare Department of Sarawak (JKMS), Resident’s Office, Sarawak Education Department, Community Development Department (Kemas) and Senior Citizen Activity Centres (PAWEs).
It was noted that a total of 216 suggestions were also reached during the workshop.
During the event, Assistant Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development II (Community Wellbeing Development) Mohamad Razi Sitam was quoted saying that the Sarawak Welfare Department is organising the workshop to provide the infrastructure and facilities to look after the welfare of senior citizens in the state.
This is in view that Malaysia will be an ageing nation by Year 2030.
Aside from that, he also mentioned that a proposal has been made to set up more PAWEs at district level.
As of now, there are currently 13 PAWEs in Sarawak, and there are plans to increase the number to 45.
This is to encourage the senior citizens to adopt lifelong learning so as to continue making meaningful contributions to society.
As of now, among the initiatives by the government for senior citizens in Sarawak includes;
| Initiative | Services available/Benefits | Requirement |
| Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) KGC provides ease of access for the people of Sarawak who are eligible for card | Instant discounts or rebates on everyday essentials like groceries, food, healthcare, telecommunication and transportation.Other benefits such as employment, tailoring, hair saloon and massagesHigh value special offersOffers compassionate assistance of RM3,000 to cover funeral expenses on the death of cardholders | Must be a Malaysian citizen with a “K” status on MyKad and a permanent resident of Sarawak;Must be age 60 and above |
| Rumah Seri Kenangan (Kuching and Sibu) Rumah Seri Kenangan is established to provide care and protection to those in need to continue living | Care and protectionAdequate basic necessities such as shelter and food are providedCounselling and guidanceIndividual / group discussions / case discussions to help residents cope with emotional and psychological problemsMedical treatmentGuidance and counsellingWorship and leisure facilities | Poor and aged 55 and above (Sibu)Poor and aged 60 and above (Kuching)No infectious diseasesHas no family or guardiansNo permanent residenceAble to take care of themselves |
| Senior citizen activities centres (PAWEs) PAWE is a place for senior citizens to carry out daily activities in the community by offering reaching out and development programs to senior citizens | Religious programsRecreational programsTherapy and rehabilitation programsHealth talk programAppropriate training or courses | – |
