Gerakan is shocked that several senior citizens were locked out at a state assemblyman’s service centre in Rifle Range on Tuesday morning when they went there to enquire about the state government’s programme to distribute RM100 to each eligible senior citizen.

Penang Gerakan Youth secretary Hng Chee Wey said he was sad and disappointed that such an incident had taken place at the service centre of Kebun Bunga assemblyman Jason Ong.

“We sympathize with the senior citizens. They have the right to make further enquiries about the programme. It is a shame that they received such bad treatment,” said Hng.

It was reported in the newspapers that Ong’s assistant had closed the door when there were too many senior citizens outside the centre, as the assistant, who is an elderly, felt he was “under pressure.”

Hng, who is also Bukit Bendera Gerakan Division Youth chief, said some senior citizens might not have computers in their homes while others might not know how to access the internet to register their names for the scheme.

“So it is only natural that they go to service centres for help. And help should be given, instead of being turned away,” added Hng.

State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment committee chairman Phee Boon Poh had said that the aid, given under the Senior Citizens Appreciation Programme, was to assist and appreciate the elderly.