By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, has said that the PERKESO Neuro-Robotics and Cybernics Rehabilitation Centre serves as a new beacon of hope for patients and their families, helping them rebuild their lives and regain dignity after misfortune.
His Royal Highness said the centre is not merely a modern healthcare facility but also reflects the nation’s shift in mindset towards strengthening rehabilitation services at a higher level without neglecting human values and compassion.
“This centre should be seen as a symbol that the nation values every life, every worker and every family.
“It is also a symbol that misfortune is not the final point in life, and a testament that a person does not have to live on the goodwill of others, but is instead capable of rebuilding a dignified future,” said His Royal Highness.
He said this when officiating at the PERKESO Sultan Nazrin Shah Rehabilitation Centre in Bandar Meru Raya here today.
According to His Royal Highness, a nation’s progress should not be measured solely by physical development or strong economic growth, but must also be assessed by its ability to care for those affected by illness, injury and disability.
He said the spirit of humanity and compassion must remain the core essence in the operation of the rehabilitation centre so that it can provide renewed hope to patients and their families.
“For stroke patients, this centre may be a place for them to relearn how to move their limbs.
“For workers with nerve injuries, it may be a place to rebuild physical and mental strength, while for their families, it can be a place that restores a ray of hope,” he said.
Sultan Nazrin also reminded that serious injuries not only cause physical suffering, but also affect an individual’s emotions, self-confidence and sense of hope.
As such, he stressed that rehabilitation must take a holistic approach, encompassing emotional recovery, mindset rebuilding, and confidence building in addition to physical treatment.
“Robotic equipment becomes more effective and meaningful when complemented with the human touch.
“Robots and machines may assist in moving the body, but the spirit to keep striving comes from the compassion of doctors, nurses and physiotherapists,” said His Royal Highness.
Meanwhile, Sultan Nazrin urged society to eliminate prejudice against persons with disabilities and not regard them as a burden.
Instead, he said this group still possesses experience, skills and potential to contribute to national development if given the right opportunities.
He also described PERKESO’s collaboration with 7-Eleven, which provides post-rehabilitation job training, as a strategic step in helping former patients regain independence.
“May more private sector players come forward to offer vocational training and employment opportunities to those who have completed rehabilitation,” he said.
Sultan Nazrin also expressed his appreciation to all parties involved in the development of the centre, including the Federal Government, state government, PERKESO and various related agencies.
At the same time, His Royal Highness recalled that the idea for the centre was first mooted by former Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran in 2018 before being continued by several ministry leaders until it was realised today.
At the end of his speech, His Royal Highness consented to officiate at the centre, which is named the PERKESO Sultan Nazrin Shah Rehabilitation Centre.
