KUCHING: The Sarawak Government has allocated RM1.7 million for the construction of the Sri Satok Senior Citizens Activity Centre (PAWE) to enhance welfare facilities for the elderly in the state.
The funding was handed over to the Petra Jaya Welfare Association (PKPJ) during a cheque presentation ceremony officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, held at the Datuk Amar Hajjah Juma’ani Welfare Centre (PKDAJ), Jalan Kulas here today (July 5).
When met by reporters, Abang Johari explained that the initiative is part of the state’s preparation for an ageing society and the need to strengthen social support systems for the elderly.
“Yes, we are establishing a welfare centre called PAWE specifically for the use of senior citizens, for them to gather, interact, and meet one another.
“We have also obtained a piece of land beside this centre, which will become a dedicated centre for senior citizens, especially for those in the Satok area and also surrounding areas of Satok, to carry out welfare activities,” he said.
He added that Sarawak is expected to face an ageing population by 2027, making such facilities increasingly important.
“As we know, by 2027 we will be facing an ageing population, and our only form of social support is to provide a welfare centre for the elderly,” he said.
Abang Johari also noted that another similar facility will be developed in Samariang, Petra Jaya as part of broader efforts to expand elderly care infrastructure.
“In general, our government policy is to develop recreational areas so that the community can gather and carry out recreational activities in one green area that is environmentally friendly and equipped with facilities. It will become an attractive area aligned with the Low Carbon Smart City policy,” he said.
He added that PAWE serves as a key support system for the elderly community.
“I think PAWE is one of the key support systems for the community, especially senior citizens. Nowadays, thankfully, people live longer and remain healthy, so we provide places for them,” he said.
PKPJ, a non-governmental organisation established in the early 1990s and officially registered in 2005, is responsible for implementing the project. The association has long been involved in community welfare work, including assistance for disaster victims, chronic patients, schoolchildren, and underprivileged families.
The late Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang previously established both the Community-Based Rehabilitation Centre (PPDK) in 2015 and PAWE in 2019. The Sri Satok PAWE currently operates temporarily from the PKDAJ building, serving an expanding membership of 190 senior citizens.
A parcel of land measuring 2137m² (0.52 acres) adjacent to the welfare centre has been secured for the construction of a dedicated facility, enabling senior citizens in Satok and surrounding areas to carry out structured activities in a permanent centre.
