27,109 senior citizens receive RM98m aid

Tawau: The State Government has allocated RM98,437,100 to 27,109 recipients under the Senior Citizens Assistance Scheme (BOT) last year. Minister of Health and People's Wellbeing Stephen Wong Tien Fatt said under the Tawau Division Welfare Office covering Tawau, Kunak, Lahad Datu and Semporna, a total of RM15.8 million has been allocated to 4,506 BOT recipients in 2017.

He said as of June this year, a total of RM9.5 million has been spent on BOT with a total of 4,601 recipients with the assistance of RM350 a month.

He said this at the closing ceremony of the State-level 'Senior Citizens, Children, Youths and Volunteer Intergeneration Programme held at the Dewan Sri Tawau, here, Tuesday.

His speech was delivered by Luyang Assemblyman Phoong Jin Zhe, who is also Wong's Political Secretary.

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Wong said in order to ensure that senior citizens continue to be protected and given proper care, the Social Welfare Department implemented the Home Help Service benefiting 433 senior citizens in 2017, involving 110 volunteers.

"In Tawau alone, there are 176 registered volunteers and the Ministry hopes more people will join, especially young people's participation in the volunteer programme," he said.

In addition, he said, the State Government created a shelter and care centre for the elderly with no next-of-kin, namely the Old Folks Home in Papar, Sandakan and Tawau which is currently sheltering 240 senior citizens with an annual budget allocation of RM1.6 million.

He said out of the 59 Senior Citizen Activity Centres across the country, six at set up in Sabah with a total of 1,501 registered members enjoying the services and activities at the centre.

On the programme, Wong hope it will raise awareness and shape the society's concern for the rights, opportunities and equal access among elderly citizens so that they are not left out and can even contribute to the nation's development.

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Furthermore, he said, the ageing scenario in Malaysia is an increasingly emphasised aspect as the country is moving towards an ageing nation when 15 percent of the population is made up of senior citizens by 2020.

"The act of abuse and neglect on senior citizens is something that is unacceptable and prohibited in our society," he said. - Lagatah Toyos

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