RM5 Mln Set Aside For Rhythm Programme This Year

MELAKA, May 23 (Bernama) -- The government has approved a RM5 million allocation under the 2026 Budget initiative to implement the Ritma Kehidupan Harmoni (Rythm) Programme nationwide this year.

Social Welfare Department (JKM) director-general Datuk Che Murad Sayang Ramjan said the programme includes 133 Healthy Elderly programmes and 133 therapy programmes for persons with disabilities (PwDs), expected to benefit 13,300 senior citizens and PwDs this year.

He said the initiative also includes six zonal training series involving 2,900 participants.

“The Rythm Programme aims to improve the wellbeing of the elderly and PwDs through health and therapy programmes at Senior Citizens Activity Centres (PAWE), Community-Based Rehabilitation Centres (PDK) and Welfare Department institutions nationwide.

“It also focuses on social wellbeing, holistic care and strengthening intergenerational ties to build a more caring and inclusive community,” he told reporters here today.

Earlier, he officiated the Southern Zone Basic Care Seminar for the Elderly and PwDs held in conjunction with the programme, which was also attended by Melaka Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Datuk Kalsom Nordin.

Che Murad said the programme involves strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), particularly in youth volunteerism and welfare activities.

He said the initiative not only nurtures compassion and volunteerism among youths, but also strengthens community support for the elderly and PwDs.

“It also serves as a platform to unite communities across generations, strengthen social support networks and build a more caring and inclusive society,” he said.

For the southern zone covering Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Johor, he said JKM had implemented 12 of the 13 targeted programmes under the first phase, with plans to expand the initiative to the central, northern, eastern, Sabah and Sarawak zones.

“So far, the programme in the southern zone has benefited 608 elderly individuals, with the involvement of 438 youth volunteers,” he added.

-- BERNAMA