His Royal Highness also consented for the facility to be named “Pusat Rehabilitasi Perkeso Sultan Nazrin Shah”, in recognition of its architectural design inspired by traditional gold-thread embossing.
IPOH: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, officiated the Social Security Organisation’s (PERKESO) Neuro-Robotics and Cybernetics Rehabilitation Centre in Meru Raya, describing it as a significant step forward in modernising rehabilitation and social healthcare services in Malaysia.
His Royal Highness also consented for the facility to be named “Pusat Rehabilitasi Perkeso Sultan Nazrin Shah”, in recognition of its architectural design inspired by traditional gold-thread embossing.
The ceremony was attended by Raja Muda Perak Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa, Raja Di Hilir Perak Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain Sultan Idris Shah, Menteri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad, and Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
In his address, Sultan Nazrin said the centre represents more than a technologically advanced medical facility, stressing that its true value lies in the expertise, dedication and compassion of those who serve within it.
He stated that the centre brings together specialists from various fields, including medicine, assistive technology, physiotherapy, occupational and vocational therapy, as well as social and psychological support services.
“This centre is not merely a healthcare facility; more importantly, it reflects a fundamental shift in the nation’s thinking and approach towards rehabilitation. It embodies Malaysia’s aspiration to provide advanced, technology-driven rehabilitation services while remaining firmly rooted in humanity and compassion.
“This vision reflects the Government’s commitment to the wellbeing of its people, particularly the workforce. Let this centre stand as a symbol that every life is valued, every worker matters, and every family is important.
“It should also serve as a reminder that adversity is not necessarily the final chapter of one’s life. With the right support, a caring society and meaningful opportunities, individuals can rebuild their lives with dignity and independence,” he said.
Sultan Nazrin added that the centre, initiated by Ipoh Barat Member of Parliament M. Kulasegaran during his tenure as Human Resources Minister from 2018 to 2020, has the potential to inspire patients and their families to believe in recovery through appropriate treatment, technology and determination.
“For a stroke survivor, this centre may mark the beginning of a journey towards regaining mobility. For a worker recovering from neurological injury, it may provide an opportunity to rebuild both physical and mental strength.
“For those affected by traumatic brain injury, it may support the recovery of memory, speech and self-confidence. For their families, it offers renewed hope,” he said.
His Royal Highness also urged society to remove stigma against persons with disabilities and to support PERKESO initiatives by creating employment opportunities for individuals who have completed rehabilitation programmes and are ready to return to independent living.
He highlighted collaboration between PERKESO and 7-Eleven in providing post-rehabilitation workplace training and potential employment as a commendable initiative, calling for more private sector involvement through corporate social responsibility programmes, vocational training and job opportunities.
Sultan Nazrin described such efforts as a shared social responsibility and moral duty to ease the burden of those facing hardship.
He emphasised that national progress should not be measured solely by physical infrastructure or economic indicators.
“True progress lies in a nation’s ability and determination to implement social programmes that uphold human dignity, protect the vulnerable and provide second chances to those affected by illness, injury or disability,” he added.
