Elderly missing out on welfare assistance due to lack of information, says deputy minister

MANY elderly folks throughout this state are missing out on the numerous welfare assistance and benefits the federal and state governments have made available for them.

They may be unaware of these aids due to a lack of information and help to apply for them, said Datuk Rosey Yunus, deputy minister for Women, Community Well-being and Early Childhood Development.

The Bekenu state assemblywoman said in her own constituency, she had found that many elderly people are not getting the financial welfare aid and other benefits like health treatment schemes that the government had put in place.

"There are many seniors out there who may not be benefiting from government welfare aid as their names are not on the approved list of recipients, for example, the Kenyalang Gold Card scheme.

"They may not know of the many other welfare schemes available for senior folks aged 60 and above.

"They may not be knowledgeable on how to use telecommunication devices to apply, while there are those living in hard-to-reach places and have no transport to go to welfare offices in cities and towns.

"That is why community heads, village leaders and non-governmental bodies must play bigger roles in reaching out and disseminating information to all the elderly groups and assisting them in applying," she said at a community gathering in Bekenu town.

Rosey stressed that there are many health assistance schemes specifically tailored for lower-income earners and senior citizens aged 60 and above.

"These free health schemes for those aged 60 and above are especially beneficial for these seniors.

"Health is of utmost importance to all seniors," she noted.

On Dec 1 last year, it was reported that a national blueprint on welfare care of senior citizens and how to ensure they remain active and contribute to society and the economy is being drawn up by Putrajaya.

Deputy Federal Economy Minister Datuk Hanifar Taib said the Federal Government is already making plans to look into the needs of the elderly who will make up at least 15 per cent of Malaysia's population by 2030. - January 27, 2025