27,802 Sabah elderly get RM447,000
Published on: Sunday, October 27, 2019
By: Jeremy S Zabala
PAPAR: The State Government will stay resilient and committed in ensuring that the wellbeing of Sabahans, particularly senior citizens, is safeguarded and that the necessary aid is channelled accordingly.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the Government has always been concerned and responsible in providing for those in need, not just the poor but also the elderly, in line with the new Government’s vision.
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He said this has led to the establishment of various programmes to help the elderly to live a comfortable and peaceful retirement life as well as being preserved according to the Dasar Pelan Tindakan Warga Emas Negara (National Senior Citizen Action Plan Policy) that is being carried out.
“Among the initiatives towards healthy and active elderly folks is the establishment of a Senior Citizens Activity Centre (Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas – Pawe), a home-based assistance programme or Home Help that can provide support services such as outreach and mental development at homes which is being carried out by volunteers.
“The Government also provides allocation to help cater for their (senior citizens) needs, among which are Senior Citizen Aid (Bantuan Orang Tua – BOT) with RM350 a month, aid in caring for those who are in chronic situation or bedridden (with the same amount) so that these folks can continue to live with their family members and among the community,” he said at the 2019 State-level Senior Citizens’ Day, here, Thursday.
He said this in his speech read by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Wong Sze Phin @ Jimmy.
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Also present were Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and wife Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni, Law and Native Affairs Minister Datuk Aidi Moktar, Health and People’s Wellbeing Assistant Minister Norazlinah Arif, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Omar Mammah and District Police Chief DSP Batholomew Ak Umpit, among others.
Since January 2019, Shafie said some 27,802 old folks have been given aid to the tune of RM447,650.
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He also said seven Pawes – in Papar, Beaufort, Kuala Penyu, Tawau, Sandakan, UTC Kota Kinabalu and Merampong, Keningau – have been established with some 1,694 senior citizen members.
“Such programmes and huge allocations prove the Government will not ignore those in need, whether the younger or older generations.
“The Government will continue to ensure that no community groups will be left out from enjoying development and prosperity that the State has achieved. Those who are less fortunate would not be marginalised or excluded.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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