KUCHING – The Governor of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, alongside his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi, attended the Senior Citizen Programme – We Care For You at Taman Sukma Multipurpose Hall this morning.
The event, aimed at enhancing the well-being of Sarawak’s elderly population, was also graced by their daughter, Sharifah Fariah.
Upon their arrival, the governor and his entourage were warmly received by Dato Sri Hajah Fatimah Abdullah, Sarawak’s Minister of Women, Children, and Community Welfare, and her husband, Datu Dr Haji Adi Badiozaman Tuah.
Also present were Datuk Hajah Rosey binti Haji Yunus, Deputy Minister of Women and Children Development; Datuk Haji Mohammad Razi bin Sitam, Deputy Minister of Community Welfare Development; and Datuk Hajah Sharifah Hasidah binti Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department.
Other dignitaries included Puan Vesmawati binti Jaffar, Chief Management Officer of Normah Medical Specialist Centre, and senior officials from the Sarawak Social Welfare and Women and Family Departments.
The programme featured an exhibition of 19 booths showcasing services and initiatives from various agencies, including the Sarawak Social Welfare Department, Normah Medical Specialist Centre, the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), and the Sarawak State National Registration Department (JPN).
Private health clinics also participated, highlighting the government’s commitment to accessible healthcare for senior citizens.
A key highlight of the event was the official launch of the WAVEJAK Application, developed by the Sarawak State Operations Centre of Excellence (SOCOE).
This innovative app utilises palm vein artificial intelligence technology, allowing users to scan their palms for authentication without the need for mobile phones, wallets, or physical cards.
The governor also took the opportunity to present several Sarawak government initiatives aimed at supporting elderly beneficiaries, reinforcing the state’s dedication to their welfare.
In his remarks, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi commended the leadership of Dato Sri Hajah Fatimah Abdullah and the Ministry of Women, Children, and Community Welfare for their ongoing efforts to empower senior citizens.
He emphasised that these initiatives align with the Sarawak government’s broader vision of promoting healthy ageing, ensuring the elderly remain active, fit, and able to contribute meaningfully to society.
The Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB) programme, a flagship initiative of the Sarawak Government, provides cashless outpatient treatment at panel clinics, with a maximum annual limit of RM500 per person.
This scheme is part of a wider strategy to support the elderly, including financial assistance such as the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS), which offers up to RM500 for senior citizens without spouses and RM950 for eligible households to help manage the rising cost of living.
The event underscored the Sarawak government’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for its ageing population, ensuring their needs are met through both traditional welfare programmes and cutting-edge digital solutions.
