
Murals help seniors find their way in PJ
A captivating giant owl with thick greyish plumage and piercing eyes greets visitors to Petaling Jaya New Town in Section 52, often stopping them in their tracks.
The larger-than-life mural of the nocturnal bird is striking — just like the illustrations of classic cars painted at a back lane in the area.
At Menara MBPJ nearby, colourful wall art decorates another back alley, with life-size mannequins placed along the pathway.
Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said the murals doubled as navigational aids for seniors and those with young-onset dementia.
Dementia is a progressive disease affecting memory and cognitive ability. While the condition is more prevalent in people aged 60 and above, it has been known to affect younger folk too.
'Petaling Jaya City Council's (MBPJ) murals help enhance the independence of people with dementia.
'Many seniors live in the surrounding neighbourhoods and these murals serve as powerful visual cues that trigger memories and aid in wayfinding,' said Mohamad Zahri.
Creative visual cues
Interest in senior-friendly urban design is on the rise as Selangor's population continues to age.
According to the Statistics Department, the state's population stood at 7.36 million last year, with 853,760 people aged 60 and above while the number living with dementia was estimated at 119,526.
Mohamad Zahri said MBPJ's Development Planning Department was using themed-based street art as a creative tool to support people with dementia.
This is aimed at improving wayfinding, fostering social engagement and enhancing overall well-being in dementia-friendly environments.
(Wayfinding is the process of navigating through a physical environment to reach a desired destination or objective.)
Mohamad Zahri also touched on MBPJ's Senior Citizen Action Plan 2030 – a proactive and holistic approach in caring for an ageing society, including people with disabilities.
'Sections 11, 17, 19, SS3, Taman Medan and Kampung Tunku are among locations in Petaling Jaya with sizeable elderly populations.
'These are areas where long-term senior-friendly infrastructure is much needed,' he said.
MBPJ, he said, was considering painting murals on the ground floors of flats in Taman Medan to create a more inclusive environment and help residents with dementia feel safer and more at ease in their surroundings.
'The Senior Citizen Action Plan 2030 is a comprehensive initiative aimed at building an age-friendly city that meets the evolving needs of an ageing population,' he said.
'This plan is part of MBPJ's broader 'Petaling Jaya Smart, Sustainable and Resilient 2030' (PJSSR 2030) blueprint, focusing on creating an inclusive environment for all ages, particularly seniors.
'It is an evolving plan covering five main areas — health, economy, social and safety, education and environment to ensure seniors' well-being and needs are effectively addressed.'
The plan, he said aligned with United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and First Selangor Plan 1 (RS-1).
PJSSR 2030 is inviting input from stakeholders including government agencies, non-governmental organisations and academics through an action plan committee focused on key priority areas.
MBPJ Development Planning Department director Lee Lih Shyan said murals and other visual cues were significant in helping people with dementia, in daily tasks, by leveraging their strengths in visual processing and memory recall.
'We are getting feedback from families and caregivers that people with dementia find the murals in Petaling Jaya New Town as recognisable cues.
'This is due to the high-contrast colours and familiar topics, particularly those evoking positive memories,' he said.
Lee said the city council's primary aim was to aid those with difficulty finding their way.
'Our plan is to use clear and recognisable visual cues and landmarks to help seniors and dementia patients orient themselves and move around effectively.
'Most murals are brightly coloured, high-contrast and strategically placed so they are easily noticed and remembered,' added Lee.
Selangor, he said was projected to become a super-aged society by 2040, with 20% of its population aged 65 and above.
'We can predict that life expectancy will increase further and we must be prepared to face an ageing population by 2030,' he said.
Dementia-friendly spaces
Alzheimer's Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM) executive committee chairman Tan Sri Hasmah Abdullah said the prevalence of dementia was on the rise in tandem with the growing older adult population.
'ADFM is glad that MBPJ is planning to create more dementia-friendly environments.
'Most individuals with dementia do not fit the stereotype of someone who is confused and living in a nursing home.
'We have people with early to moderate stages of dementia, in their late 30s, who continue to hold jobs and socialise although the nature of their involvement may change as the condition progresses,' she said.
As an advocate on issues related to dementia, Hasmah added that the Petaling Jaya New Town murals were helping people with dementia maintain social connections which was crucial for their well-being.
'Our built environment plays an important role in promoting the quality of life for people living with dementia.
'When physical infrastructure includes 'dementia-friendly' design elements, it helps people living with dementia and their families experience numerous benefits.
'These include improved safety, greater independence, opportunities for social engagement, reduced agitation or distress and an overall improved ability to engage in activities of daily life,' she said.
One person who has lauded the murals and other outward objects to help people with dementia is a mum who only wants to be known as Madam Sequeira.
She said her son, who developed dementia at the age of 38, had experienced changes in the perception of his surroundings.
This posed a challenge for him to navigate in public areas, she said.
'But, with the murals and mannequins close to his workplace in Petaling Jaya New Town, he can move around a lot easier,' she said.
Another resident, who lives within walking distance of Petaling Jaya New Town, said his 76-year-old mother with dementia felt confident going to the commercial area because of the murals.
'Thanks to the street art, she can now meet up with her friends for tea in the afternoon.
'She is happy, less isolated and more connected,' said the retired real estate agent who only wanted to be known as Gomez.
Selangor Council of Welfare and Social Development vice-chairman Datin Paduka Khatijah Sulaiman (SCWSD) called for additional wayfinding measures to better support ageing communities and reduce the distress caused by cognitive impairment and navigation challenges.
'It is crucial to incorporate dementia-friendly design principles into urban planning and public spaces that cater to the exact needs of those with dementia, including visual cues, colour-zoning and clear signage,' said Khatijah
She also called for more awareness efforts, including workshops, to foster supportive environments for people living with dementia and enhance public understanding of the condition.
She said such initiatives can create 'dementia-friendly communities' and create an inclusive society.
Khatijah added that it was important to work with local authorities in Selangor for a wider reach.
'Urban planning and design contribute to making public spaces more accessible for all residents, including those with cognitive impairments.
Khatijah said while SCWSD was working with MBPJ to organise workshops, it needed the involvement of all stakeholders to foster greater involvement.
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The Star
13-07-2025
- The Star
Murals help seniors find their way in PJ
Those with dementia using visual aids to navigate Section 52 commercial area confidently A captivating giant owl with thick greyish plumage and piercing eyes greets visitors to Petaling Jaya New Town in Section 52, often stopping them in their tracks. The larger-than-life mural of the nocturnal bird is striking — just like the illustrations of classic cars painted at a back lane in the area. At Menara MBPJ nearby, colourful wall art decorates another back alley, with life-size mannequins placed along the pathway. Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said the murals doubled as navigational aids for seniors and those with young-onset dementia. Dementia is a progressive disease affecting memory and cognitive ability. While the condition is more prevalent in people aged 60 and above, it has been known to affect younger folk too. 'Petaling Jaya City Council's (MBPJ) murals help enhance the independence of people with dementia. 'Many seniors live in the surrounding neighbourhoods and these murals serve as powerful visual cues that trigger memories and aid in wayfinding,' said Mohamad Zahri. Creative visual cues Interest in senior-friendly urban design is on the rise as Selangor's population continues to age. According to the Statistics Department, the state's population stood at 7.36 million last year, with 853,760 people aged 60 and above while the number living with dementia was estimated at 119,526. Mohamad Zahri said MBPJ's Development Planning Department was using themed-based street art as a creative tool to support people with dementia. This is aimed at improving wayfinding, fostering social engagement and enhancing overall well-being in dementia-friendly environments. (Wayfinding is the process of navigating through a physical environment to reach a desired destination or objective.) Mohamad Zahri also touched on MBPJ's Senior Citizen Action Plan 2030 – a proactive and holistic approach in caring for an ageing society, including people with disabilities. 'Sections 11, 17, 19, SS3, Taman Medan and Kampung Tunku are among locations in Petaling Jaya with sizeable elderly populations. 'These are areas where long-term senior-friendly infrastructure is much needed,' he said. MBPJ, he said, was considering painting murals on the ground floors of flats in Taman Medan to create a more inclusive environment and help residents with dementia feel safer and more at ease in their surroundings. 'The Senior Citizen Action Plan 2030 is a comprehensive initiative aimed at building an age-friendly city that meets the evolving needs of an ageing population,' he said. 'This plan is part of MBPJ's broader 'Petaling Jaya Smart, Sustainable and Resilient 2030' (PJSSR 2030) blueprint, focusing on creating an inclusive environment for all ages, particularly seniors. 'It is an evolving plan covering five main areas — health, economy, social and safety, education and environment to ensure seniors' well-being and needs are effectively addressed.' The plan, he said aligned with United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and First Selangor Plan 1 (RS-1). PJSSR 2030 is inviting input from stakeholders including government agencies, non-governmental organisations and academics through an action plan committee focused on key priority areas. MBPJ Development Planning Department director Lee Lih Shyan said murals and other visual cues were significant in helping people with dementia, in daily tasks, by leveraging their strengths in visual processing and memory recall. 'We are getting feedback from families and caregivers that people with dementia find the murals in Petaling Jaya New Town as recognisable cues. 'This is due to the high-contrast colours and familiar topics, particularly those evoking positive memories,' he said. Lee said the city council's primary aim was to aid those with difficulty finding their way. 'Our plan is to use clear and recognisable visual cues and landmarks to help seniors and dementia patients orient themselves and move around effectively. 'Most murals are brightly coloured, high-contrast and strategically placed so they are easily noticed and remembered,' added Lee. Selangor, he said was projected to become a super-aged society by 2040, with 20% of its population aged 65 and above. 'We can predict that life expectancy will increase further and we must be prepared to face an ageing population by 2030,' he said. Dementia-friendly spaces Alzheimer's Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM) executive committee chairman Tan Sri Hasmah Abdullah said the prevalence of dementia was on the rise in tandem with the growing older adult population. 'ADFM is glad that MBPJ is planning to create more dementia-friendly environments. 'Most individuals with dementia do not fit the stereotype of someone who is confused and living in a nursing home. 'We have people with early to moderate stages of dementia, in their late 30s, who continue to hold jobs and socialise although the nature of their involvement may change as the condition progresses,' she said. As an advocate on issues related to dementia, Hasmah added that the Petaling Jaya New Town murals were helping people with dementia maintain social connections which was crucial for their well-being. 'Our built environment plays an important role in promoting the quality of life for people living with dementia. 'When physical infrastructure includes 'dementia-friendly' design elements, it helps people living with dementia and their families experience numerous benefits. 'These include improved safety, greater independence, opportunities for social engagement, reduced agitation or distress and an overall improved ability to engage in activities of daily life,' she said. One person who has lauded the murals and other outward objects to help people with dementia is a mum who only wants to be known as Madam Sequeira. She said her son, who developed dementia at the age of 38, had experienced changes in the perception of his surroundings. This posed a challenge for him to navigate in public areas, she said. 'But, with the murals and mannequins close to his workplace in Petaling Jaya New Town, he can move around a lot easier,' she said. Another resident, who lives within walking distance of Petaling Jaya New Town, said his 76-year-old mother with dementia felt confident going to the commercial area because of the murals. 'Thanks to the street art, she can now meet up with her friends for tea in the afternoon. 'She is happy, less isolated and more connected,' said the retired real estate agent who only wanted to be known as Gomez. Selangor Council of Welfare and Social Development vice-chairman Datin Paduka Khatijah Sulaiman (SCWSD) called for additional wayfinding measures to better support ageing communities and reduce the distress caused by cognitive impairment and navigation challenges. 'It is crucial to incorporate dementia-friendly design principles into urban planning and public spaces that cater to the exact needs of those with dementia, including visual cues, colour-zoning and clear signage,' said Khatijah She also called for more awareness efforts, including workshops, to foster supportive environments for people living with dementia and enhance public understanding of the condition. She said such initiatives can create 'dementia-friendly communities' and create an inclusive society. Khatijah added that it was important to work with local authorities in Selangor for a wider reach. 'Urban planning and design contribute to making public spaces more accessible for all residents, including those with cognitive impairments. Khatijah said while SCWSD was working with MBPJ to organise workshops, it needed the involvement of all stakeholders to foster greater involvement.


The Star
05-06-2025
- The Star
Free health checks for seniors
Some 200 attended the first leg of the Selangor Senior Citizens' Health Programme 2025 at Beringin Hall in Selayang. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star THE Selangor Senior Citizens' Health Programme 2025 will be held at 22 locations across all nine districts in the state, with around 2,700 senior citizens expected to participate. Selangor public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the free programme brought healthcare services to the community. 'This provides better healthcare access to the elderly, especially in detecting the risk of frailty and preventing serious health complications. 'The programme can also help assess various aspects of a senior citizen's health, like muscle and grip strength as well as potential mobility issues. 'At the same time, they can receive exercise and diet advice,' she said when launching the programme at Beringin Hall in Selayang. Jamaliah said three districts in Selangor – Kuala Langat, Sepang and Kuala Selangor – were among the 11 districts identified as ageing by the Statistics Department last year. 'One of the factors contributing to this situation is increased average life expectancy. 'However, this increase does not necessarily mean an increase in the quality of life among senior citizens. 'It could be due to advancements in healthcare services and medical technologies. 'Therefore, it is important for us to pay thorough attention to the daily health of senior citizens so that they can continue to lead a meaningful life. 'A longer life means nothing if senior citizens are not healthy and require constant help from others,' she said. Jamaliah also urged senior citizens to undergo regular health screenings to detect diseases early. 'I have met some senior citizens who are unwilling to know about their health status, as they are afraid of what the results will be. 'However, not knowing does not mean there are no issues. 'Our health may deteriorate without us realising, and it will become irreversible after we are hit by serious illnesses like stroke,' she added. The programme is part of the 'Healthy Ageing: Preventing Frailty Among Elderly' project that has been carried out by Selangor government and BeVital Humanitarian Relief Organisation since 2023. During the event, some 200 took part in activities such as health screenings, tests on their gait and speed, grip strength as well as exercises specifically designed for senior citizens. They were also provided with resistance bands and diaries so they could continue exercising at home and record their progress. BeVital founder Dr Ahmad Munawwar Helmi Salim urged senior citizens to continue exercising regularly. 'You may be facing the problem of frailty today, but if you continue exercising and controlling your diet consistently, you will see changes to your health,' he said. Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, who was also present, participated in some of the activities and interacted with the aged folk. When asked about future dates and venues of the programme, a spokesperson said details were still being finalised and would be announced at a later date.


The Star
14-05-2025
- The Star
INTERACTIVE: Malaysia records fewest births ever
Chinese Maternity Hospital midwife M C Chan and staff nurse S Jeyalaksmi tending to newborn babies at the confinement ward's nursery. PETALING JAYA: The number of live births in the country has fallen to the lowest level ever recorded, says the Statistics Department (DOSM). In its quarterly population report released today (May 14), DOSM said that the number of live births recorded a decrease of 11.5% to 93,500 births as compared to 105,613 births in the first quarter 2024. 'Live births decreased 11.5 percent to 93,500, lowest ever recorded,' the department said in its Demographic Statistics Malaysia First Quarter 2025 report. The decline in births reflects falling fertility rates in the country. ALSO READ > Only three states produce enough babies to replace their populations According to the DOSM report, male babies outnumbered female babies with 48,124 births as compared to 45,376 births. The sex ratio of live births was 106 males to every 100 females. Selangor had the highest live births at 18,254 (19.5%), while Labuan recorded the lowest at 278 (0.3%). The majority of mothers who gave birth in the first quarter of this year were in the 30-39 years age group, representing 49,816 (53.3%) of births recorded. The second biggest group of mothers were aged 20-29 years (39.3%), followed by 40 years and over (6.0%) and less than 20 years (1.4%). Three births were recorded to mothers aged 55 years and above. In terms of ethnicity, Malays accounted for 68.8% (64,326 live births) of the total live births. Live births for Other Bumiputra increased to 12.6% as compared to 12.3% in the first quarter 2024. Other Bumiputra consists of Bumiputra Sabah, Bumiputera Sarawak and other Bumiputra in Peninsular Malaysia. The live birth rates for Chinese and Indians decreased to 8.6% and 3.8% as compared to 9.6% and 4.2% in the first quarter of 2024, respectively.