THE Sarawak government will adopt a model used in Malacca to establish centres to provide community care for those aged 60 and above in the state.
The Sarawak Ministry for Women, Community Wellbeing and Early Childhood Development has found the Socso Tun Abdul Razak Rehabilitation Centre for Elderly in Kota Melaka as an ideal model.
Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah made this declaration after a visit to the centre in Malacca.
The Sarawak Public Communications Unit, in a press statement, said Sarawak can learn a lot from Malacca in setting up proper care centres for the elderly.
"Sarawak sees the method used in the centre in Malacca as ideal because of its people-centred efficient services.
"That centre offers comprehensive services to help care for the elderly.
"It provides good health and medical care, and blends with social integration, physical support and psychological care for the elderly.
"Sarawak feels new policies need to be drawn up fast as Sarawak will be categorised as aged state by 2028.
"At least 16 percent of the state population will be aged 60 and above by 2028 and there are currently not enough facilities and programmes in Sarawak to ensure adequate care for our senior citizens.
"We must overcome these weaknesses by drawing up specific policies on community care for senior citizens," Fatimah said. – May 10, 2025
