KUCHING: Senior Citizens Activity Centres (PAWE) are set to play a central role in a major federal initiative to improve the quality of life among the elderly.
The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development is stepping up efforts to expand the network of centres across Sarawak.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri stated this during the launch of Rhythm – Ritma Kehidupan Harmoni: Program Sihat Warga Emas at Balai Budaya Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Sarawak Branch here, Sunday (May 24).
“Successful PAWE centres in Malacca can be used as a model worth replicating, as participants there engage in a wide range of activities including religious classes, economic projects, exercise, and wellness programmes,” she said.
She expressed hope that PAWE centres in Sarawak would grow in the same spirit, ensuring that senior citizens remain active, healthy, and socially connected rather than isolated in their later years.
The Rhythm programme, backed by a RM5 million federal allocation, targets 6,500 participants nationwide through 133 healthy ageing programmes, 133 therapy programmes for persons with disabilities (OKU) and six caregiver seminar series in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak.
Sarawak is allocated 12 healthy ageing programmes, 10 OKU therapy programmes, and a series of caregiver and therapy seminars, with Sunday’s programme drawing approximately 400 participants comprising senior citizens, youth, and volunteers.
Nancy reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to people’s well-being, family institution strengthening, and sustainable community development, describing PAWE centres as a vital community anchor in achieving those goals.
She also praised the growing collaboration between government agencies and NGOs, citing a Rotary International event held the previous day that drew representatives from multiple countries who were reportedly impressed by Malaysia’s community welfare approach.
She urged government bodies, the private sector, NGOs, and the public to sustain this collaborative spirit in delivering meaningful social programmes.
Members of the public keen to contribute through the home-based care programme under the Social Welfare Department were urged to step forward and play their part in supporting those in need.
