BKJ For Elderly Improved, Johor Gov't Prioritises Recipients’ Welfare - Exco

JOHOR BAHRU, May 26 (Bernama) -- The Johor government is urgently working on improving the Bantuan Kasih Johor (BKJ) delivery process for senior citizens to ensure the welfare of its people is always prioritised.

State Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Khairin-Nisa Ismail @ Md On said the move is being taken in response to public concerns, views and feedback regarding recipients being forced to wait in long queues at several locations.

As such, she said several immediate improvement measures have been implemented to ensure the BKJ distribution process, especially for senior citizens, is carried out in a more organised, smoother and recipient-friendly manner.

"Firstly, the state government has created a special ‘Saya adalah penerima uzur/OKU’ (I am an elderly/disabled recipient) link in the BKJ system via https://bkj.johor.gov.my.

"This facility allows recipients who are elderly, bedridden, wheelchair bound, persons with disabilities (OKU), recently gave birth, recently lost a husband or nearest next-of-kin, or with certain health constraints to carry out checks and verifications without having to be physically present,” she said in a statement posted on Facebook today.

Khairin-Nisa said that it is not compulsory for elderly or disabled recipients to attend the aid presentation ceremony if they are unable to do so.

She said the aid presentation would be carried out using more suitable methods, including special delivery or directly to the recipient’s home, depending on the circumstances. 

"The state government also allows representatives to receive the aid on behalf of certain recipients, although they (the representatives) will have to produce certain documents, such as a letter of representation, a copy of the recipient's identity card and a confirmation letter from the village head or relevant party if required.

"Such flexibility is provided so that recipients who are elderly, ill or have health constraints do not need to be present or wait in long queues under uncomfortable conditions,” she said.

The state government, she added, remained committed to improving the BKJ implementation from time to time to ensure the welfare of Johor folk is always maintained and assistance can be delivered in a more efficient, organised and holistic manner to those really in need.

"Thank you for all the views, feedback and cooperation provided. Insya-Allah, every feedback will be used a guideline to further strengthen the delivery of assistance to all Johor folk,” she said.

She also apologised to the affected recipients and their family members, admitting to shortcomings in management and coordination at several locations, which made it difficult for senior citizens to be present to receive assistance.

-- BERNAMA