Human Resources Ministry welcomes proposal to build rehabilitation centre for Sabah, Sarawak

Composite photo of V. Sivakumar (left) and Riot during Parliament session on March 8, 2023. Photo credit: RTM livestream

KUALA LUMPUR, March 10: Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) has welcomed Serian MP Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem’s proposal to build a rehabilitation centre for Sabah and Sarawak.

According to a report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), MOHR Minister V. Sivakumar said his ministry through Social Security Organisation (Socso) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) on Aug 4, 2022, to provide rehabilitation and employment services to the Sarawak community through Unimas Teaching Hospital.

“This MoU also pioneers bilateral collaboration in research and learning aspects.

“In addition, it aims to improve the skills and knowledge of members in fields such as medicine, rehabilitation, neurological intervention, mental health, allied health skills, robotics, vocational training, safety and health, disability management, the Return To Work (RTW) programme and employment service programmes,” he said in response to Riot’s proposal during Parliament session on Wednesday (March 8).

Earlier, Riot proposed to continue the previous government’s plan to build a rehabilitation centre in Serian for Sabah and Sarawak.

V. Sivakumar said the proposal should be carefully refined and a detailed study should be carried out taking into account various factors comprehensively in terms of socioeconomic impact, sustainability of organisational funds, geographical factors, current needs and priority interests.

The Batu Gajah MP also mentioned that the establishment of a medical and vocational rehabilitation centre complete with the latest rehabilitation technology facilities also requires a large development allocation due to the increase in the cost of building materials and the current global logistics challenges. — DayakDaily