Sarawak looks to Melaka's Socso Tun Abdul Razak Rehab Centre to tackle ageing population needs
Fatimah (second right) listens to a briefing on the holistic recovery ecosystem practised at the institution in Melaka. — Ukas photo
KUCHING (May 10): With Sarawak expected to become an ageing state by 2028, the state government is ramping up efforts to enhance social and health infrastructure, taking cues from established rehabilitation models to better support the elderly and vulnerable communities.
In this regard, State Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah regards the Socso Tun Abdul Razak Rehabilitation Centre in Melaka as an exemplary model for a holistic recovery ecosystem – one that blends medical care, psychosocial assistance, vocational training, and reintegration support.
'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 serve as a reference for Sarawak in developing a community rehabilitation model that is elderly-friendly.
'We also want to see how person-centred and evidence-based rehabilitation services can be adapted into social policies and practices in Sarawak.
'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 an ageing population,' she said in her speech during a visit to the Socso Tun Abdul Razak Rehabilitation Centre recently, as reported by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas).
Adding on, Fatimah said Sarawak had rolled out several proactive strategies, including the upcoming Sarawak International Conference on Ageing (SICA) 2025, scheduled in Kuching this Oct 28-29.
The international forum, she said, would examine ageing-related challenges and innovations, including the role of technology, long-term care, and community-based support systems.
Meanwhile, she added that a comprehensive research project titled 'Research on Preparation for an Ageing Sarawak' was currently in progress.
'This study, which involves elderly individuals, caregivers, service providers, and policymakers, aims to evaluate key aspects such as financial well-being, healthcare, transport, lifelong learning, family support, caregiving, employment, and volunteer opportunities.
'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 an ageing population approaches,' said the minister. ageing state fatimah abdullah rehabilitation models socso
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