Rohani: Lundu to have senior citizens centre

LUNDU: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has approved a plan for the establishment of a senior citizens activity centre ( PAWE) here.

The announcement was made by its minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim during the ‘Suara Anda Tanggungjawab Utama ( SATU)’ programme at the civic centre recently. The centre, which caters for senior citizens aged 60 and above would provide infrastructure facilities for the old folks to carry out their social and recreational activities.

“One of the problems faced by this targeted group is ‘loneliness’ and PAWE can be a platform for the old folks to conduct beneficial activities during their free time to overcome their loneliness,” she said.

Rohani noted by 2035, Malaysia would be categorised as an ‘old country’ having 15 per cent of its population aged 60 and above.

“This is why we are providing the infrastructure now for the old folks to conduct their recreational activities during their free time,” she said, adding that there are now 31,615 active users of the centres nationwide.

Meanwhile, Rohani also pointed that the government had allocated a total of RM1.4 billion to the Welfare Department (JKM) for welfare assistance involving 468,000 cases. The allocation covers RM226 million for general aid and assistance, RM226 million (children’s aid), RM287 million (allowance for disabled workers) and RM84 million (assistance for registered individuals with disabilities).