IPOH, JUNE 16 — The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, departed to officiate the opening of the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) Neuro-Robotics and Cybernics Rehabilitation Centre in Meru Raya, here, today.
Sultan Nazrin also agreed that the centre, whose design was inspired by the art of gold thread embossing, be named the Sultan Nazrin Shah SOCSO Rehabilitation Centre.
Also departing were the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa and the Raja of Lower Perak Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain Sultan Idris Shah.
Also present were the Menteri Besar of Perak, Datuk Saarani Mohamad and the Minister of Human Resources, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
In his opening address, Sultan Nazrin said that the centre is not just a complex equipped with modern and sophisticated equipment, but is also staffed with experts in the fields of medicine and health, assistive technology, physiotherapy, as well as occupational and vocational therapy, social guidance and psychological support.
“This centre is not just a health facility, but symbolises a migration of thought – a migration of approach, realising the country’s vision and desire to modernise rehabilitation and high-tech services, strengthened with services that prioritise human values and appreciate human values.”
“This centre should be seen as a symbol that the country values every life, every worker and every family, a symbol that misfortune is not the end of life, a symbol that with the right system, a caring society and opportunities provided, a person does not have to live on the kindness of others, but can return to building a dignified future,” his Majesty said.
Sultan Nazrin said the centre, whose idea for its construction was sparked by Ipoh Barat Member of Parliament, M. Kulasegaran when he held the position of Human Resources Minister from 2018 to 2020, gives new hope to patients and families and builds new confidence that injury is not the end of life.
His Majesty said that the centre should be able to impress upon patients and families that with the right treatment, appropriate technology and an unbroken spirit, a person is capable of rising again.
“For a stroke patient, this center may be a place to help them learn to move their limbs again, for workers who have suffered nerve injuries, this center may be a place to rebuild physical and mental strength.”
“For someone who has suffered a traumatic brain injury, this centre may be a place to retrain memory, speech and self-confidence. For their families, this centre can be a place to shine a light of hope,” said Sultan Nazrin.
His Majesty also stressed that society needs to eliminate prejudice against those with physical disabilities and come forward to assist SOCSO’s efforts by opening up job opportunities for those who have completed rehabilitation treatment so that they can return to living independently.
“The effort pioneered by SOCSO to enter into a collaboration with 7-Eleven to provide a post-career work training program, with the potential to offer jobs, is a strategic approach.
“Hopefully more private parties will come forward to offer CSR (corporate social responsibility) programs with SOCSO rehabilitation centers, offer vocational training and provide post-rehabilitation job opportunities,” said Sultan Nazrin.
His Majesty said that it is the fardu kifayah and responsibility of every human being to help ease the burden of those who face divine tests and are burdened by life’s trials.
Sultan Nazrin said that a country’s progress is not only measured by its imposing rows of skyscrapers, crisscrossing flyovers, or large ports and airports, or high economic growth figures.
“Real progress lies in the country’s ability and determination to introduce and implement social programs to preserve human dignity, defend the weak, and provide a second chance to anyone who is unfortunate enough to be tested by illness, injury or disability,” said His Majesty.
— BERNAMA
