Department sets up service centres to help elderly folk
BINTULU: The government, through the Welfare Department (JKM), has set up a senior citizens service centre here and another in Tatau.
JKM Bintulu officer Taddy Ajin said the main objective of these service centres is to serve as a platform for these elderly individuals to be involved in healthy activities and also to remain active and able to contribute to society.
“We don’t want to let our senior citizens live only in their own world, because being lonely can lead to other problems like stress.
“The department has carried out various initiatives this year to improve senior citizens’ quality of life; for example, running the ‘ Senior Citizen Got Talent’ and the ‘Chair Fitness’ programmes,” he spoke during JKM Bintulu appreciation dinner here on Monday.
According to Taddy, JKM Bintulu has a total of 1,093 senior citizens who are benefitting from its various programmes, involving RM4.6 million in assistance.
‘ In order to serve our target group better, we also need the manpower, which comes from welfare volunteers. Our office has many active volunteers displaying high commitment and determination in assisting us all these years.
“Thus on behalf of JKM Bintulu, I would like to express my gratitude to all the volunteers who have been with us and serving the community without expecting any reward,” he said.
Elaborating further, Taddy regarded these volunteers as ‘the unsung heroes’, because although they are not very known in the community, they still give their utmost best to serve; for example, in home help services.
“They are also involved in disaster management and assisting community- based activities – among other things.”
Taddy said in recognition of their efforts, JKM has set up Bintulu Welfare Volunteers Organisation.
He hoped that through the organisation, the volunteers would be able to carry out activities in a more systematic and organised manner. This, he added, would undoubtedly facilitate the government in distributing assistance and allocations to those in need.
“With the financial resources, I believe it could help them carry out their work more effectively and provide support to the needy folk, especially in Bintulu,” Taddy said.
We don’t want to let our senior citizens live only in their own world, because being lonely can lead to other problems like stress. Taddy Ajin, JKM Bintulu officer