More coordinated support needed for Sabah elderly care homes, says minister
by Nancy Lai · Borneo Post OnlinePAPAR (April 8): Elderly care homes in Sabah continue to face operational constraints despite receiving government assistance, highlighting the need for stronger coordination and broader support, said State Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Majungki.
She said her visit to the Sri Pritchard Elderly Home in Kinarut today revealed gaps in funding and basic facilities that require sustained attention.
“Government assistance is provided, but it is not sufficient to fully support operations. There is a need for more coordinated support involving the community, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the private sector,” she said.
Julita said issues such as water supply at the home would be raised with the relevant authorities, with follow-up needed to ensure the residents’ basic needs are addressed.
“We will engage the relevant agencies on this and continue to monitor the situation to see how support can be strengthened,” she said.
She said the ministry will continue working with stakeholders to enhance support for elderly care homes across the state, including facilitating volunteer programmes, services and financial assistance.
Support does not have to be financial, as it can also come in the form of time, expertise and community-driven programmes,” she said.
Julita noted that such efforts are crucial to ensure elderly residents receive consistent care as demand for elderly care services continues to grow.
Her visit was held in conjunction with the Kong Xi Raya and Residents’ Birthday Celebration for Sri Pritchard Elderly Home, organised by the home’s Board of Visitors led by its president Datin Rachel Rayah Kumar.
The programme included a simple birthday celebration for residents born between January and April, as well as engagement activities with the home’s occupants.
Julita also commended the residents for their hydroponic project launched last year, in which they grow and sell vegetables such as pak choy and coral salad to visitors and staff.
She encouraged other care homes to adopt similar initiatives to promote active ageing and meaningful engagement among the elderly.