By Fitri Hazim Hazam
GOMBAK, Sept 1 — The Senior Citizens Activity Centre (PAWE) in the Sungai Tua state constituency, built for RM2.4 million by the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS), is an initiative aimed at improving the quality of life for the elderly.
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said MPS is the only local authority in the country that has independently established and developed such a centre for senior citizens.
“This centre began construction last year and has been completed with various infrastructure provisions and can accommodate up to 200 people.
“MPS has been in contact with senior citizens' associations around Sungai Tua to enable them to conduct activities here,” he told the press after officiating the centre today.
Amirudin added that the PAWE facility will assist the state government in addressing the challenges of accommodating the elderly in Selangor, following the increase in life expectancy.
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Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari (centre) waters a sapling to symbolise the opening of the Sungai Tua Senior Citizens Activity Centre at Kampung Wira Damai, Gombak, on September 1, 2024. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
“In 2008, Selangor's life expectancy was 65 years, but according to the latest data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia, life expectancy has increased to 78 years.
“We cannot just think of providing kindergarten centres; we also need to establish activity centres where the elderly can lead active lives,” he said.
Meanwhile, MPS President Shahman Jalaludin said the centre was built on 0.58 acres of state government-owned land in Mukim Batu, Gombak, with a modern tropical design concept.
“The development of PAWE incorporates universal and elderly-friendly designs, using solar systems and rainwater harvesting.
“Various activities have been planned, including health, social, economic, and spiritual programmes. It offers comfort to the elderly to engage in community life more easily,” he said.
During the event, Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad also contributed RM20,000 to cover the cost of purchasing equipment for use in activities at the PAWE.
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Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari (centre) shakes the hand of a senior citizen during the launch of the Sungai Tua Senior Citizens Activity Centre at Kampung Wira Damai, Gombak, on September 1, 2024. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
