MELAKA: Sarawak is ramping up initiatives to bolster its social and health infrastructure in preparation for its projected status as an ageing state by 2028, with inspiration drawn from the comprehensive rehabilitation model of the Tun Abdul Razak SOCSO Rehabilitation Centre.
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said that the rehabilitation centre model offers inspiration in creating a comprehensive recovery ecosystem that includes medical treatment, psychosocial support, vocational training and rehabilitation back into the community.
According to her, this approach is very relevant and can be used as a reference in strengthening social policies and programmes in Sarawak, especially for the elderly, people with disabilities (OKU), and vulnerable groups.
“In this context, the approach adopted by the SOCSO Rehabilitation Centre is very appropriate because the institution’s ability to integrate medical elements and rehabilitation training in one centre can be used as a reference by Sarawak in developing a community rehabilitation model that is friendly to the elderly.
“We also want to see how ‘person-centred’ and evidence-based rehabilitation services can be adapted into social policies and practices in Sarawak,” she added.
“In fact, this approach becomes increasingly important when considering the demographic reality that Sarawak is currently and will be facing in relation to the issue of population ageing.”
Fatimah said this in her speech in conjunction with a visit to the SOCSO Tun Abdul Razak Rehabilitation Centre here recently.
Taking into account the projection that Sarawak will achieve the status of an ageing state by 2028 earlier than Malaysia which is expected to achieve the status of an elderly nation in 2030, the Sarawak Government has also intensified various proactive measures with the implementation of major initiatives such as the organisation of the ‘Sarawak International Conference on Ageing’ (SICA) 2025 which will be held on October 28 to 29 in Kuching.
The conference will be an international forum to discuss issues of ageing holistically, including the role of technology, long-term care and community support.
Meanwhile, a comprehensive study titled ‘Research on Preparation for An Ageing Sarawak: The Profile of And Ageing Issues of Older Persons in Sarawak’ is also underway.
The study involved individuals aged 60 and above, carers, service providers, programme implementers and policy makers across the state.
The study examined 11 key areas related to ageing, including financial security, health, transport, lifelong learning, family care, the role of carers, as well as employment opportunities and volunteering.
These measures mark the Sarawak Government’s serious commitment to ensuring that no senior citizen is left behind in the ongoing development as the era of population ageing approaches.
