New PERKESO Rehabilitation Centre Symbolises Hope, Dignity And Second Chances - Sultan Nazrin

IPOH, June 16 (Bernama) -- The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, today officiated the Social Security Organisation’s (PERKESO) Neuro-Robotics and Cybernetics Rehabilitation Centre in Meru Raya, marking a major milestone in the country’s effort to modernise rehabilitation and social healthcare services.

His Royal Highness also consented to the facility, whose architectural design was inspired by the traditional art of gold-thread embossing, being named “Pusat Rehabilitasi Perkeso Sultan Nazrin Shah”.

Accompanying the Sultan at the ceremony were Raja Muda Perak Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa and Raja Di Hilir Perak Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain Sultan Idris Shah.

Also present were Menteri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad and Minister of Human Resources Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.

In his address, Sultan Nazrin said the centre represents more than a modern healthcare complex equipped with advanced technology, emphasising that its true strength lies in the expertise and compassion of those serving within it.

His Royal Highness said the centre brings together specialists in medicine and healthcare, assistive technology, physiotherapy, occupational and vocational therapy, social guidance and psychological support.

“The centre is not merely a healthcare facility, more importantly, it reflects a fundamental shift in the nation's thinking and approach to rehabilitation. It embodies the nation’s aspiration to advanced, sophisticated, and technology-driven rehabilitation services, while remaining firmly grounded in the values of humanity and compassion. 

“This vision reflects the Government's commitment to the welfare of its people, particularly the nation's workforce. Let this centre stand as a symbol that every life is valued, every worker matters and every family is important. 

“Let it also remind us that adversity need not be the final chapter of one's life.  With the right support, a caring society and meaningful opportunities, individuals can rebuild their lives with dignity and independence,” said the Sultan.

According to His Royal Highness, the centre, initiated by Ipoh Barat Member of Parliament M. Kulasegaran during his tenure as Minister of Human Resources from 2018 to 2020, has the potential to inspire patients and their loved ones to believe that with proper treatment, suitable technology and an unwavering spirit, recovery and independence remain achievable.

“For a stroke survivor, this centre may mark the beginning of a journey towards regaining movement. For a worker recovering from a neurological injury, it may provide an opportunity to rebuild physical and mental strength.

“For an individual affected by a traumatic brain injury, it may offer the support needed to restore memory, speech and self-confidence. For their families, it may become a source of hope,” the Sultan said.

Sultan Nazrin also called on society to eliminate prejudice towards persons with disabilities and support PERKESO’s initiatives by creating employment opportunities for individuals who have completed rehabilitation programmes to regain their independence and return to self-reliant lives.

“PERKESO's collaboration with 7-Eleven in providing post-rehabilitation workplace training, with the potential for subsequent employment, represents a strategic and commendable initiative. 

“It is hoped that more organisations within the private sector will come forward to collaborate with PERKESO's rehabilitation centres through corporate social responsibility initiatives, vocational training programmes and employment opportunities for individuals who have completed their rehabilitation,” he said.

Sultan Nazrin described such efforts as part of a collective social responsibility and moral obligation to ease the burden of individuals facing hardship and life’s challenges.

He stressed that national progress should not be measured solely by physical development or economic indicators.

“True progress lies in a nation’s ability and determination to introduce and implement social programmes that preserve human dignity, protect the vulnerable and provide a second chance to those tested by illness, injury or disability,” added the Sultan.

-- BERNAMA