SANDAKAN: Merpati – a daily care initiative for senior citizens aimed at supporting working families while ensuring the elderly receive proper care and remain active in their communities – was launched here on Tuesday
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State Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Mojungki said at the Dewan Serbaguna of Rumah Warga Tua Sri Harapan that it was an important step in strengthening the welfare of Sabahans.
“The government remains committed to ensuring that state development does not focus solely on physical and economic aspects, but also social wellbeing, humanitarian values and welfare of the people,” she said.
Julita said the programme aligns with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) agenda, which emphasises balanced state development encompassing social, welfare and quality-of-life dimensions.
The Merpati Programme is open to senior citizens aged 60 and above who are still able to care for themselves and have no infectious diseases or chronic health conditions.
Daily care is charged at RM10 per day, while overnight stays, available for up to one week, are priced at RM30 per night.
She said the programme currently has capacity for 60 participants, with plans to expand coverage so that more Sabahans can benefit.
Julita described the initiative as a bridge that supports the family institution without fully replacing the role of family members, while giving senior citizens the opportunity to remain active, interact socially and feel valued.
Julita said the Merpati logo symbolises love, protection and hope – values the programme seeks to embody.
In Tawau, Assistant Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Rina Jainal said, public perception around placing elderly parents in care centres remains mixed, but stressed that the welfare of senior citizens must take precedence.
“What matters most is ensuring the wellbeing of the elderly is protected and that they receive the care they deserve,” she said.
She said the programme is not intended to replace the role of the family, but rather to serve as supplementary support for those facing constraints and work commitments.
The initiative is currently operating as a pilot project to gauge public demand. With plans to expand beyond Tawau to Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu should it receive an encouraging response.
Beyond basic care, the centre also provides daily activities and periodic programmes aimed at keeping residents active and engaged.
Five senior citizens from Tawau have already enrolled since the centre began operations. Members of the public interested in the service are encouraged to contact the centre at Rumah Warga Tua Tawau for further information and registration.
