By Aida Aziz
IPOH: An Ipoh Echo/Peraktastic report on an elderly man who had been staying for a week at a bus stop in front of the Greentown Health Clinic here has drawn the attention of the state executive councillor.
Following the report, the Perak Social Welfare Department (JKM), through the Kinta District Social Welfare Office (PKMD), visited the location.
State Women, Family, Social Welfare and Entrepreneur Development Committee chairman Datuk Salbiah Mohamed said the elderly man was taken to PKMD Kinta with police assistance after initially refusing to cooperate.
“I took note of the viral report concerning an elderly man who had reportedly been staying at a bus stop for more than a week.
“When he was found, his condition was heartbreaking. He was in an unkempt state, with his clothes and body covered in faeces, and required immediate attention and assistance.
“He was subsequently cleaned, provided with suitable clothing, food and basic necessities before being taken to hospital for further medical examination and health assessment,” she said.
Salbiah said such matters should not be regarded as the sole responsibility of JKM, as the welfare of the community was a shared responsibility.
“Thank you to members of the public who care and took the initiative to provide information. Sometimes, a single report and a small action from us can bring about a major change in someone’s life.
“God willing, his welfare will continue to be monitored and follow-up action will be taken according to his needs,” she said.
On Saturday, Ipoh Echo/Peraktastic reported that an elderly man had reportedly been staying at the bus stop in front of the Greentown Health Clinic for about a week.
According to a complainant, they were concerned about the elderly man’s condition, as he had been exposed to the heat and rain at the location since last Friday.
