T
he Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) is taking the lead in harnessing advanced medical technology to deliver world-class rehabilitation treatment for contributors who suffer workplace injuries or disabilities.
Its rehabilitation centre has drawn attention for revolutionising traditional recovery methods by integrating robotic technology tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
This innovative approach not only speeds up the healing process but also offers patients renewed hope of regaining independence and resuming active daily lives.
With the expertise of dedicated professionals and state-of-the-art facilities, the Perkeso Rehabilitation Centre (PRP) plays a vital role in restoring patients’ confidence—particularly those determined to rejoin the workforce.
BACK ON TRACK
At 38, Mohd Syauti Abdul Rahman is among the Perkeso contributors who have benefitted from the PRP. His achievement in completing a 42-kilometre marathon earlier this year stands as proof of the effectiveness of the treatment he received for a spinal injury he had endured since 2022.
Mohd Syauti, an air-conditioning technician at a factory in Shah Alam, Selangor, said he has now fully recovered and is able to return to the activities he loves.
“I began experiencing persistent back pain around 2022. At first, I thought it was just a common issue, as my job often required me to lift large and heavy items. I had no idea that I was actually suffering from a slipped disc,” he told Bernama.
In the early stages, he relied only on painkillers, but the recurring pain severely restricted his movements. That was when he decided to seek further treatment, eventually applying for rehabilitation at the Perkeso centre in Shah Alam.
“Before coming to Perkeso, I had visited several hospitals and physiotherapy centres, but the results were not significant. Finally, I searched on social media and came across the Perkeso Rehabilitation Centre.
“My treatment lasted three months, from July to September 2023, focusing on correcting posture, strengthening the back and abdominal muscles, and restoring movement functions through robotic therapy,” he said.
In addition, he underwent several activities, including treadmill exercises, stretching routines and squats, while also following a self-care module provided for home-based treatment.
“The staff at PRP are highly trained. Before, I could hardly stand for long or bend my back. But thanks to continuous treatment and the home-based module from PRP, I managed to recover and successfully completed a 42-km marathon recently,” he added with pride.
PIONEERING REHABILITATION
Perkeso Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed said the PRP has positioned itself as the country’s leading pioneer in delivering advanced and comprehensive rehabilitation technology, particularly in the fields of neurology, orthopaedics and vocational recovery.
He said PRP integrates a range of cutting-edge technologies within a complete treatment ecosystem designed to accelerate recovery and enhance patients’ ability to regain independence and active participation in society.
So far, Perkeso has established several rehabilitation centres, including satellite facilities nationwide. These include the Pusat Rehabilitasi Perkeso Tun Abdul Razak (PRPTAR) in Melaka, which serves as the headquarters; PRP Kuala Terengganu (PRPKT); PRP Quill City Mall in Kuala Lumpur; and PRP Shah Alam in Selangor.
In addition, two more facilities have been developed: the National Neuro-Robotics and Cybernics Rehabilitation Centre in Perak, which is already operational, and the East Coast Regional Perkeso Rehabilitation Centre in Setiu, Terengganu, expected to be completed by 2027.
“As of June 2025, more than 21,000 Perkeso contributors have benefitted from rehabilitation treatment at PRP nationwide. Of these, over 15,000—about 71 per cent—have successfully reintegrated into society either through restored daily living functions (Activities of Daily Living, ADL) or via the Return to Work (RTW) programme.
“This figure reflects the effectiveness of PRP’s comprehensive rehabilitation approach in restoring capabilities and improving the quality of life for Perkeso contributors,” he said.
He added that many contributors with partial paralysis or permanent disabilities have been able to return to work, live independently, drive, and even participate in sports and social activities as a result of the holistic rehabilitation offered at PRP.
However, for contributors who remain bedridden or unable to regain full independence, Perkeso remains committed to their welfare by continuing to provide benefits such as medical equipment, wheelchairs, hospital beds, disposable diapers and other essential supplies.
“This approach reflects Perkeso’s principle of not only delivering treatment but also ensuring continuity of care and life support for those most in need,” he stressed.
DIVERSE TECHNOLOGIES, INCLUDING ROBOTICS
Expanding on this, Mohammed Azman described the PRP as a comprehensive, modern and high-tech institution established to meet the rehabilitation needs of workers suffering from physical injuries, nervous system disorders or mobility issues caused by accidents or occupational hazards.
He said the centre also serves as a primary referral hub for holistic rehabilitation treatment, aligned with international standards.
“Among the technologies used here is the HAL® Robot Suit (lower-limb, single-joint and lumbar), which works by detecting the patient’s bio-electrical signals to naturally stimulate muscle movement, as well as ROBERT®, a passive-active therapy robot designed to initiate early mobilisation safely and effectively.
“PRP also applies functional electrical stimulation (FES) therapy to aid walking and hand-grip recovery, supported by ‘Luna EMG’, a technology that provides real-time muscle feedback to improve therapy accuracy,” he said.
For more complex neurological recovery, PRP has introduced recoveriX, a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology that combines electrical stimulation with brain visualisation to help stroke and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients regain motor control.
Meanwhile, Vibramoov® provides sensorimotor stimulation through rhythmic vibrations, while the Sidra Leg robotic exoskeleton is used for relearning gait patterns.
For hand rehabilitation, PRP employs Hand of Hope®, a progressive interactive training system that effectively restores hand-grip functions.
“All of these technologies are integrated into personalised treatment plans based on biopsychosocial assessments, carried out by a multidisciplinary team comprising doctors, therapists, nurses, psychologists and career officers.
“This approach not only accelerates recovery and functional restoration but also increases contributors’ chances of returning to work and living more productive, meaningful lives,” he added.
Mohammed Azman emphasised that PRP today stands among the most advanced rehabilitation centres in the region, in line with Perkeso’s aspiration to lead high-tech rehabilitation systems grounded in efficiency, humanity and forward-looking innovation.
COMPREHENSIVE ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT
Mohammed Azman said the PRP also provides comprehensive psychosocial support to contributors and their families through psychological counselling, group therapy sessions and mental health education.
He explained that clinical psychologists conduct emotional assessments and interventions to help patients manage stress, accept their new circumstances and build resilience.
“Families are also involved through guidance sessions on caregiving, communication strategies and social adjustment, ensuring that the recovery process continues with strong support from the household,” he said.
Perkeso further extends its social support through the RTW programme, interim assistance during recovery, and job-matching services via the MYFutureJobs portal.
“This integrated approach reflects Perkeso’s commitment to safeguarding contributors’ welfare not only in terms of physical health but also emotional and social wellbeing,” he added.
— BERNAMA
