6,500 Senior Citizens, PWDs To Benefit From RYTHM Programme
MIRI: A total of 6,500 senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are set to benefit from the Rhythm of Harmonious Life Programme (RYTHM) and the PWD Therapy Programme, executed via a community-based approach with an overall allocation of RM5 million.
Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Dato Sri Nancy Shukri, stated that the programme does not merely provide welfare support and therapy, but also encourages the involvement of various parties—including higher education institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), volunteers, and local communities.
She noted that the participation of youth, particularly university students, adds value to the program’s implementation by translating acquired knowledge and skills into direct service for the community.
“Community well-being cannot be built through government efforts alone; instead, it requires knowledge, expertise, youth energy, and humanitarian values to be mobilized together,” she said.
She said this while officiating the Miri Division RYTHM Programme and PWD Therapy Programme at the Miri Association of Parents of Special Children (PIBAKIS) Hall on Saturday.
Out of the total RM5 million allocation, RM1.995 million is provided for the implementation of 133 Healthy Senior Citizen Programs, RM1.995 million for 133 PWD Therapy Programmes, while RM1.01 million is allocated for six training and seminar series related to senior citizen care and PWD therapy.
For Sarawak, 12 Healthy Senior Citizen Programmes are being implemented with an allocation of RM180,000, while 10 PWD Therapy Programmes involve RM150,000, in addition to RM92,500 for training related to caregiving and therapy for PWDs and senior citizens.
Dato Sri Nancy stated that the therapeutic approach within a friendly, creative, and inclusive setting gives PWD participants the opportunity to express themselves, build confidence, and foster social interaction.
In Miri, the programme activities include singing, dancing, art therapy through a drum circle, as well as arts and crafts activities designed as a medium to support the physical and mental well-being of participants.
According to her, university students' on-the-ground experience is also essential in shaping a younger generation that possesses not only professional skills, but also empathy, social sensitivity, and a sense of responsibility toward the community.
Phase Two of the RYTHM Programme is being implemented in Kuching, Sibu, Miri, and Bintulu as a continuation of Phase One, which took place in Betong and Kuching last May.
Dato Sri Nancy added that the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) will continue to strengthen cooperation with higher education institutions, NGOs, volunteers, the private sector, and local communities to ensure welfare support and volunteerism approaches for target groups can be sustained continuously.
Also present were Minister for Transport Sarawak and Senadin Assemblyman Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Director (Federal) of the Sarawak Social Welfare Department Mohd Ali Taib, Political Secretary to the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Mohammed Kamaluddin Mohd Effendie, President of the Miri Association of Parents of Special Children (PIBAKIS) Chiam Yun Chaw, and Miri Division Social Welfare Officer Vivian Engkiong. -UKASnews
