SIBU: Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are urged to organise more activities with the residents of Rumah Seri Kenangan to make the old folk’s home livelier.
In making the call, Minister for Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said NGOs and youth groups should not be prevented from entering or working with the home.
“We want this place to be alive, not a lonely place for the aged but we want it to be a place that is fun and filled with various activities and visitors that will bring happiness to the residents as well as benefit them,” she added in her speech when witnessing the handing over of keys to the home today (August 1).
“When the youngsters come and hold activities here, this will help the residents in terms of their physical, mental and socio-emotional health.
“We also want our youth to be empathetic and know what is happening in the community as well as contribute to it,” she said.
The old folk’s home, which is expected to accommodate 50 residents, is a project under the 12th Malaysia Plan. Phase one costs RM15,800,000.
Its facilities include an administrative office building, male and female dormitory blocks, a multi-purpose hall, a canteen and a kitchen.
Twenty-eight residents, temporarily housed at the Rumah Seri Kenangan Sri Aman since 2016 during the construction process, will be brought back to the old folk’s home in Sibu soon.
Also present at the handing over of keys were Deputy Minister for Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Mohammad Razi Sitam and Sibu Resident Wong Hee Sieng.
