HOUSEWIFE Lee Hsueh Yi had been travelling between Alor Setar, Kedah, and Penang since 2020 for her epileptic child’s follow-ups at Penang Hospital.
This June, she came across a welfare mobile counter at the hospital.
After she told the officer in charge about her family’s difficulties, the latter recognised that Lee’s needs extended beyond medical treatment, to housing and continued welfare assistance.
With the cooperation of Unit Kebajikan Manfaat Rakyat (Kemara) and Tzu Chi Foundation, Lee’s family was provided accommodation in Batu Lanchang, George Town.
She moved into her new home on July 29 and efforts are ongoing to facilitate the transfer of her childcare assistance from Kedah Welfare Department (JKM) to Penang JKM.
The case highlights how the Kemara mobile counter has benefitted people from diverse backgrounds, by helping patients and their families navigate welfare assistance and access support based on their needs.
The unit, under Penang government, manages and coordinates the state’s i-Sejahtera social welfare assistance programme.
Penang Hospital paediatrician Dr S. Sivamaghesvari sought assistance at the counter for her father who had pancreatic cancer.
She said the mobile counter team immediately assisted with referrals and follow-up matters involving the Social Security Organisation.
“My father received rehabilitation equipment, including a wheelchair, to enable him to return home.
“But he passed away two days later,” she said when met during a press conference at the hospital in George Town.
Housewife Nashiroh Nayan from Sungai Batu, Penang, contacted the Kemara unit’s WhatsApp service to check whether the state government’s RM200 monthly assistance for persons with disabilities (OKU) had been credited.
She said follow-up messages with the team revealed additional support needs faced by her family of four children, including eight-year-old twins with autism.
“They visited me and, after that, immediate assistance of RM500 was provided.
“An application for monthly JKM assistance was also submitted for further action.
“The service was fast and efficient,” said Nashiroh.
Penang social development and welfare committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said the Kemara mobile counter had assisted 582 people since its launch on June 16 under a pilot programme.
It operates every Tuesday and Thursday from 8am to 12.30pm.
“Of the 582 people, 424 cases, or 72.9%, involved general enquiries that were resolved over the counter,” said Lim.
“Another 98 cases (16.8%) were referred to the relevant departments or agencies, while 38 (6.5%) were referred to MPs’ and assemblymen’s offices or community service centres.
“The remaining 22 cases (3.8%) are still being followed up by Kemara unit officers.”
Lim said those who visited the counter often faced multiple challenges at the same time.
“Some are struggling with chronic health problems, while others care for bedridden family members.
“There are also those who have suddenly lost their source of income.
“Many simply do not know where to turn or which agency to approach for assistance.”
She said the pilot project showed the importance of bringing welfare services closer to the people, particularly those who faced difficulties navigating the existing assistance system.
The counter also enabled officers to identify clients’ needs early and refer them to the relevant agencies for further assistance, she added.
Although it operates at Penang Hospital, Lim said its services were open to anyone seeking guidance or referrals on welfare matters.
“The public can also contact the Kemara unit via WhatsApp at 011-5363 5699.”
Present at the press conference were Penang Health Department director Dr Zulhizzam Abdullah and Penang Hospital director Dr Goh Hin Kwang.
