New SOCSO Rehabilitation Centre Set To Be Built In Penang

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- A rehabilitation centre is set to be built in Seberang Perai to enhance treatment and rehabilitation services for workers who have sustained injuries or disabilities due to work-related accidents.

Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the construction of the centre under the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) is part of the government’s effort to enhance the nationwide network of rehabilitation facilities.

“During the recent tabling of Budget 2026, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the construction of a rehabilitation centre in Penang, which will be the fourth such centre after Melaka’s, which was built 10 years ago.

“In Ipoh, Perak, the centre has been completed and will commence operations after its official opening, while the centre in Terengganu is still under construction. We at the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) believe that rehabilitation centres are extremely valuable and should be expanded,” he told reporters today.

He said this to reporters when met at the Penang DAP Deepavali Open House, which was also attended by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Wanita PKR chief Fadhlina Sidek, who is also Education Minister and DAP advisor Lim Guan Eng.

Sim, who is also the Bukit Mertajam MP, said the rehabilitation centre in Melaka is of international standard, offering excellent treatment with the latest facilities, including robotic technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybernetics.

He added that the recovery rate at the centre is up to 70 percent, with most patients able to return to work, while the rest either do not recover fully or choose not to return to employment.

“We have indeed observed a fairly high recovery rate and we want to expand these rehabilitation centres, as they provide complementary support to the existing Ministry of Health’s medical facilities.

“We, as a support group, view this rehabilitation centre as highly significant. I also wish to thank the Prime Minister for the announcement (regarding the construction of the rehabilitation centre in Seberang Perai),” he said.

Sim said the construction of the centre is still at the planning stage, involving the selection of location, type of treatment to be provided, and overall cost, which is expected to be announced once negotiations with SOCSO and other relevant agencies are completed.

According to him, each rehabilitation centre is expected to cost between RM500,000 and RM600,000, as they will be fitted with advanced facilities and the latest rehabilitation technologies.

“We see Penang as a strategic location for the construction of rehabilitation centres, as the state is the country’s main industrial and port hub, both sectors employing many workers who are at risk of occupational injuries and may require rehabilitation treatment,” he said

Meanwhile, Sim said KESUMA is planning to set up satellite rehabilitation centres in each state to provide services and treatment to SOCSO contributors.

He said SOCSO currently has four satellite rehabilitation centres, located in Kuala Lumpur; Shah Alam, Selangor; Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu; and Tanjung Pelepas Port, Johor.

“The satellite centres provide basic rehabilitation facilities, while advanced treatment can be carried out at full rehabilitation centers such as those in Melaka or Ipoh. These services must be accessible to all contributors,” he said.

-- BERNAMA