Good progress: Sivakumar (centre) looking at the Socso national neuro-robotics and cybernics rehabilitation centre site.
IPOH: There are plans to build more Social Security Organisation (Socso) neuro-robotics rehabilitation and cybernics centres in the country, says V. Sivakumar.
The Human Resources Minister said they were still discussing with Socso on the matter, noting that these rehabilitation centres were costly.
“Such projects require high cost, and need more strategic planning.
“It is my hope that each state has a centre, if possible. We are still planning for it,” he told reporters after visiting the construction site for the rehabilitation centre in Bandar Meru Raya here yesterday.
Cybernics treatment is an assistive technology that builds on several fields, including cybernetics and informatics.
It includes the use of hybrid assistive limb (HAL) technology to rehabilitate or regenerate movement functions of the wearer and can help in stroke, spinal cord injury and neuromuscular disease cases.
On the progress of the RM654mil state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre here, Sivakumar said it was now in its second phase, with the construction of the superstructure, which was at about 12% completion.
“Work started in June last year and is progressing well. It is expected to be completed and start operating by the end of 2024.
“Once completed, it will be a centre of excellence for rehabilitation, and can accommodate 700 patients at one time,” he added.
Sivakumar said since the Tun Abdul Razak Rehabilitation Centre in Bandar Hijau, Melaka, started operations in 2014, some 16,643 patients had received physical rehabilitation and vocational training up to January this year.
He said between 30% and 35% of the patients were from states in the northern region.
“With the centre in Ipoh, these cases can be referred here,” he said, adding that its services would also be opened to those from overseas.
Sivakumar said he also visited the temporary labour quarters (TLQ) of the rehabilitation centre during his visit and was satisfied with the facilities and amenities prepared.
“The TLQ can accommodate up to 644 people and has a cafeteria that is equipped with a space for cooking and washing dishes, a surau and a bathroom that is appropriate for the hostel,” he said.
