PAPAR: An elderly care centre in Sabah has turned to growing and selling vegetables as part of efforts to sustain its operations, amid ongoing financial and resource constraints faced by such facilities.
Sabah Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Julita Majungki said the hydrophonic project, launched last year, sees the Rumah Warga Tua Sri Pritchard residents cultivating and selling vegetables such as pak choy and coral lettuce to visitors and staff.
She described the initiative as a positive example of active ageing, encouraging other care centres to adopt similar efforts to promote meaningful engagement among the elderly.
“Government aid is available, but it is not sufficient to fully support operations. There is a need for better coordination involving the community, non-governmental organisations and the private sector,” she said.
Julita, who is also Matunggong assemblywoman, said issues such as water supply at the home would be brought to the attention of the relevant authorities.
“We will engage with the relevant agencies and continue to monitor the situation to see how support can be strengthened,” she added.
She noted that her ministry would continue working with stakeholders to enhance support for elderly care centres across the state, including facilitating contributions through volunteer programmes, services and financial assistance.
“There is room for more structured involvement from various parties. Support does not necessarily have to be financial, but can also come in the form of time, expertise and community-based programmes,” she said.
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