Elderly couple at Jalan KJD may be relocated to Rumah Seri Kenangan — Fatimah

KUCHING (March 11): An elderly couple living in a shed (rumah kebun) along Jalan KJD near Sibu may be placed at Rumah Seri Kenangan if it is found they are unable to care for themselves, said Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.

The Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development said the decision would depend on the findings of the field assessment by officers from the Social Welfare Department (JKM).

“I have instructed our officers to go on the ground to assess their actual situation.

“If it is found that they are unable to care for themselves, even though they have been receiving monthly assistance since December 2010, we need to determine what kind of support they require at this point,” she told reporters when met after handing over contributions to recipients at the ‘Majlis Sejambak Kasih Aidilfitri 2026’ at the Sarawak Government Administrative Centre in Serian yesterday.

Fatimah said although the couple had been receiving monthly financial assistance, their needs might extend beyond monetary aid.

She noted that based on preliminary information received by her ministry, the condition of their house appears dilapidated and may not be safe for them to continue living in.

“Senior citizens have the basic right to live in a safe environment and receive protection.

“If their home is found to be unsafe, we must look for a more suitable solution for them,” she said.

Fatimah noted that one possible option would be to place the couple at Rumah Seri Kenangan, a residential care centre for elderly individuals who are not suffering from mental illnesses or infectious diseases but require support and care.

Residents at the centre receive comprehensive care including healthcare services, meals, social activities and spiritual support.

“They will also have companions, so they will not feel lonely, and they can follow a more structured daily routine.

“Meals are provided, and there are therapy and social activities as well as regular health check-ups,” she explained.

Fatimah added that apart from placement at Rumah Seri Kenangan, the government also provides home assistance services through volunteers to help elderly individuals living alone or in remote areas.

“Senior citizens may not require a lot of food, but they need a safe place to live, a well-maintained environment and people who can assist them if they fall ill or need help,” she said.

Also present was Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and Balai Ringin assemblyman Datuk Snowdan Lawan.