A RENOWNED Japanese non-governmental body specialising in caring for elderly people - Tokyo Kosaien - has offered to help Sarawak plan professional community-care services for senior citizens.
The Sarawak Public Communications Unit said the Tokyo-based organisation is willing to share its expertise with Sarawak.
"Since Tokyo Kosaien was established in 1956, it has helped to provide care for thousands of elderly in their country.
"They offer high quality and efficient services to make life comfortable and happy for those in their old age.
"They had offered to help Sarawak to plan for this important community service," the Unit said in its press updates.
On Oct 22, it was reported that the Sarawak government was taking concrete steps to formulate policies to ensure adequate community care for those aged 60 and above in the state.
State Minister for Women, Community Wellbeing and Early Childhood Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said new policies need to be drawn up fast as Sarawak will be categorised as an aged state by 2028.
Fatimah last week visited Japan and one of her official tours was at the Tokyo Kosaien complex in that city.
She said at least 16 per cent of the Sarawak state population will be aged 60 and above by 2028.
"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," she said. - October 27, 2024
