KINABATANGAN: The private sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were urged to intensify their social responsibility programmes for senior citizens.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the involvement of all parties including the private sector and NGOs could instil the practice of a caring society.
He said the government had implemented various programmes and measures to assist senior citizens so that they could enjoy a better and more comfortable life.
“Among the measures taken by the government for the benefit of senior citizens are through the 2015 Budget allocation. The federal government has provided RM1.2 billion for senior citizens besides building another five more senior citizen activity centres.
“The government has also provided free transportation for senior citizens to the hospital. These allocations prove that people from every walk of life benefited from national development,” he said at the state-level Senior Citizens’ Day celebration at Dewan Sri Lamag, Kinabatangan.
His speech was delivered by Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister, Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid.
Earlier, Jainab in her speech said that the celebration of Senior Citizens’ Day was held to raise awareness of the community on the importance of family ties, care, protection and provide related facilities to enhance the quality of life of senior citizens.
Apart from receiving a monthly allowance, the elderly also enjoy facilities from the Elderly Activity Centre, Elderly Care Unit and support services at home. The support service is one of the ground programmes (aktiviti turun padang) implemented by Sabah Welfare Service Department in collaboration with the Sabah Council of Social Service and Welfare Voluntary Organisation.
During the celebration, Head of State Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Juhar Mahiruddin and his
wife Toh Puan Datin Seri Panglima Norlidah Datuk R.M Jasni presented special awards to senior citizens Retired Sergeant Major Mohd Jukin Matta and wife, Sarmiah Mislong and to Mohd Mahalan Pindot and Jaliha Mating for their contribution to the state.
Also present were Assistant Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Masiung Banah; Assistant Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Anita Baranting; Kinabatangan member of parliament Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin and Sukau assemblyman Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman.