KUCHING: The Sarawak Government continues to reinforce its senior citizen welfare agenda with the construction of a new RM1.7 million building for the Sri Satok Senior Citizens Activity Centre (PAWE), to be built on a 2,137-square-metre site adjacent to the Datuk Amar Hajah Juma’ani Welfare Centre (PKDAJ).

The construction fund for the building was presented by the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, to the Petra Jaya Welfare Association (PKPJ) during the Sri Satok PAWE Building Construction Fund Handover Ceremony at PKDAJ here on Sunday.

When met by reporters, the Premier stated that providing dedicated activity centres for senior citizens is highly crucial, given that Sarawak is expected to enter an aging society phase by the year 2027.

"Generally, the government's policy is to develop more recreational areas so that the community can gather and carry out various recreational activities in a green environment equipped with appropriate facilities," he said.

He also disclosed that another PAWE will be established in Samariang, Petra Jaya, as part of the state government's efforts to expand welfare facilities to the elderly.

According to him, the provision of centres like PAWE serves as an important social support system to ensure senior citizens continue to lead active, healthy, and productive lives, besides encouraging social interaction and their involvement in community activities.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy Berhad and PETROS) Datuk Ibrahim Baki, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Mayor Dato Hilmy Othman, alongside other guests. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photos by: Muhd Zulfadhli Ahmad Sharir
Translator: Ryan Lim