KUCHING: Residents of Rumah Seri Kenangan (RSK) Kuching at Mile 12 can finally enjoy a more conducive and comfortable environment.
Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the new RSK has better facilities than the old building.
“Since the discussion at an early stage we have really emphasised this concept – making this RSK like a home and not an ordinary institution.
“This is because we want senior citizens (residents) here (RSK Kuching) to live a comfortable and dignified life and we want to highlight such important components.”
She said this to reporters after officiating at the project’s handing over ceremony at Batu 12, Jalan Kuching-Serian, yesterday.
Fatimah said the new RSK Kuching costing RM35.9 million is equipped with an administrative office building; four residential clusters; patient wards (for sick or destitute residents); multi-purpose hall, dining hall and kitchen.
It also has sub-centres (music workshops, gym, mini theatre, coffee shop, souvenir shop, mini library, salon workshop and sewing workshop); laundry; places of worship; principal and staff quarters; safe house as well as guard hut.
“The facilities provided are also to help senior citizens or residents to live a comfortable life.
“We should not see them as worthless parents, because they deserve respect and dignified life.
“Therefore, RSK Kuching will be a benchmark for us to care for and serve senior citizens,” she explained.
Fatimah also stated that the Welfare Department would work with the nearest hospital to get regular services, especially on the aspect of giving treatment to those who have begun to show signs of mental issues, for example, dementia.
“This, we need to work with the state’s health department, especially nearby hospitals to get specialist services on a regular basis,” she added.
The home can accommodate 156 residents but currently houses 61.
“For us, if the number of residents is less than the maximum number, it is a good indicator. This is because we want these senior citizens to spend time with their families and the decision to bring them to RSK should be a last option, ” Fatimah said.
At the event, she presented Certificate of Appointment to the Board of Visitors of Rumah Seri Kenangan Kuching for the October 2021 to November 2024 session.
She also witnessed the symbolic handing over of the RSK Kuching keys from Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) director Datuk Ir. Zuraimi Sabki to Social Welfare Department (JKM) director Noriah Ahmad.
Also present were the Deputy Ministers Datuk Rosey Yunus and Razi Sitam.
