Leading the way in rehab
SINCE Malaysia’s Social Security Organisation’s (Socso) Rehabilitation Centre in Malacca took in its first patient on Oct 1 last year, it has received over 120 patients (as of Feb 13). At full capacity, the two hostels can accommodate 300 patients.
Under Socso’s return-to-work programme, patients undergo physical and vocational rehabilitation so they can rejoin the workforce. Vocational skills offered include hospitality, sewing, electrical work, design and laundry.
“Spirituality is also very impor- tant in rehab,” says Datuk Saiful Anuar Abdul Aziz, managing director and principal of Arte Axis Design Group that designed the centre.
The centre’s surau is surrounded by the core buildings, with a design concept “based on enlightenment”. The roof curves towards Mecca and the building features aluminium louvre windows to promote natural sunlight and air flow.
A section specially for the wheelchair-bound to perform ablutions with ease is also incorporated.
For non-Muslims, there is a spiritual, or quiet, room located in the hostels.
At the end of our site visit, we stop by the staff cafeteria, which features an aluminium-strip, curved ceiling that promotes air flow and creates more open space.
“The concept of green technology is a financially viable proposition. It’s also good for the environment and promotes cost savings in terms of utilities. The initial capital expenditure may be higher but in the long term, it will save costs. It’s a good model for other institutional facilities,” says Datuk K. Selvarajah, Socso chief executive officer and director general.
“Other than its green features, the rehab centre is also the first of its kind in this part of the world to integrate physical rehabilitation with vocational training,” adds Selvarajah.
Since it opened, the centre has had visitors and delegates from different countries including China, Germany, Indonesia, and Japan who came to study the design and concept.