KUCHING, 29 April 2025 – Sarawak is set to host the highly anticipated Special Olympics State Games VII 2025 from 2 to 5 May, with more than 800 athletes and officials expected to take part in this inspiring event across multiple venues in Kuching.
Announcing the event, Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, highlighted that seven major sporting disciplines will be contested – athletics, swimming, badminton, bowling, bocce, football, and table tennis.
“This Games is not just about competition; it shows the amazing abilities of our special needs athletes and promotes a more inclusive society,” she said during the Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri celebration and JKMS Grant and Assistance Presentation Ceremony at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre on Monday.
She also celebrated the academic achievements of 11 out of 14 SPM 2024 candidates from institutions under the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS). The successful students hailed from several welfare homes and schools including Sekolah Tunas Bakti Kuching and Taman Seri Puteri Kuching.
In the same ceremony, Dato Sri Fatimah shared an important update regarding adopted children in Sarawak. As of 23 April 2025, 24 applications have been submitted to the National Registration Department (JPN) Sarawak involving anomaly cases related to the ‘K’ indicator on identification cards. This follows the MMKN’s approval of an additional policy last September to ensure fair treatment for adopted children.
Another highlight was the 5th anniversary of the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) programme, a welfare initiative for senior citizens. Over 320,000 elderly Sarawakians are now registered KGC holders, benefiting from discounts through 1,063 strategic partners. In addition, RM67.5 million has been distributed via the Bantuan Ihsan Kematian (BIK) scheme to the next of kin of deceased cardholders.
During the event, several forms of assistance were handed out, including:
- Outstanding Student Awards to 11 achievers
- Grants to 10 voluntary organisations
- Monthly aid to 20 individuals
- Appointment of 10 Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB) panel clinics
- KGC cards to 5 new recipients
This ceremony not only reflected the government’s dedication to sports and education, but also its deep-rooted commitment to social welfare and inclusivity in Sarawak. — UKAS EDITION
