BINTULU – The Sin Chew Trade Fair 2025, held at Boulevard Shopping Mall, Bintulu, drew strong public interest over the weekend, with welfare services and digital initiatives for senior citizens receiving particular attention.
The three-day exhibition, which ran from 31 October to 2 November 2025, was organised in collaboration with the SUPP Bintulu Branch and the Bintulu Welfare Department.
A dedicated service and advisory counter was set up to provide direct assistance to the public, especially senior citizens.
Among the services offered were applications and on-the-spot approvals for the e-Kenyalang Gold Card (e-KGC), advisory sessions on welfare and health matters, and applications for the Sarawak Senior Citizens Health Benefit Scheme (SCHB), which provides RM500 in health assistance to eligible applicants.
Tanjong Batu State Assemblyman (ADUN) Ts. Johnny Pang Leong Ming visited the exhibition to observe the services provided. He noted that the Sarawak Government has been proactive in adopting digital solutions to make welfare schemes more accessible.
He highlighted the introduction of the digital Kenyalang Gold Card, which can now be applied for via smartphone, as an example of how technology is being used to simplify processes.
However, he acknowledged that many senior citizens remain unaware of this new option, making the advisory counter an important platform for outreach.
“This counter was established to provide face-to-face guidance and ensure that the public, especially senior citizens, are well informed about the benefits available to them,” he explained.
The assemblyman also pointed to other welfare initiatives introduced by the state, including the MySaham B40 Free Health Protection Scheme and the Sarawak ID, which are designed to safeguard the well-being of citizens across all levels of society.
He added that even after the conclusion of the trade fair, residents could continue to seek assistance at the Tanjong Batu Citizens’ Service Centre for welfare-related matters.
The exhibition not only showcased commercial products and services but also reflected the government’s commitment to ensuring that welfare initiatives are delivered effectively and remain accessible to the people.
The Kenyalang Gold Card, first introduced in 2020, has become a cornerstone of Sarawak’s welfare policy for senior citizens, offering discounts, benefits, and access to health schemes.
As of mid-2025, more than 427,000 Sarawakians aged 60 and above had applied for the card, with the digital version now streamlining the process further.
The warm reception at the Sin Chew Trade Fair underscored the importance of combining public exhibitions with welfare outreach, ensuring that development and social support go hand in hand.
