IPOH: Society must strive to eliminate prejudice and refrain from looking down on those living with physical disabilities, says Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
“We must reject any perception that regards those living with injuries or disabilities as burdens.
“They remain an integral part of the Malaysian family,” said the Perak Ruler in his royal address during the opening of the Sultan Nazrin Shah Social Security Organisation’s (PERKESO) Rehabilitation Centre in Meru Raya here yesterday.
“We must recognise that each possesses experience, skills, knowledge, determination and values, and is capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
“What they require is support, access, training, opportunity and trust,” the Ruler added.
Sultan Nazrin said it is the collective obligation of society to assist those facing hardship.
“The progress of a nation should not be measured solely by the height of its skyscrapers, the network of flyovers, the scale of its ports and airports, or the strength of its economic growth.
“True progress is reflected in a nation’s ability and determination to uphold human dignity, support the vulnerable and provide a second chance to those affected by illness, injury or disability through meaningful programmes,” Sultan Nazrin said.
The Ruler said that even with the most advanced technology, patient recovery must be complemented with human touch, through care, compassion and prayers.
“We must recognise that those who suffer serious injuries endure not only physical pain, but also emotional hardship.
“Many face feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, disappointment and diminished confidence as they contemplate a future that may appear increasingly uncertain,” the Ruler added.
“Their recovery requires a comprehensive approach, one that extends beyond physical treatment to encompass emotional healing, the restoration of hope and the rebuilding of confidence.
“Robots and machines may assist in restoring movement, but the determination to persevere is nurtured through the care and compassion of doctors, nurses and therapists,” Sultan Nazrin said, calling on society to support PERKESO’s efforts.
“Our hope is that more organisations within the private sector will come forward through corporate social responsibility initiatives, vocational training programmes and employment opportunities.”
The RM654mil rehabilitation centre, reportedly the largest in South-East Asia, features specialised robotic therapy suites, a neuro-robotic gym and a dedicated cybernics research centre, and can accommodate up to 700 patients at any one time daily.
Cybernics is an advanced field of technology that integrates humans, robots and information systems.
Also present at the event were Raja Muda Perak Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa and Raja DiHilir Perak Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Idris Shah, along with Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
