Human Resources Minister Steven Sim announces new Perkeso rehabilitation centre in Penang to treat work-related injuries and disabilities.
GEORGE TOWN: A new rehabilitation centre will be constructed in Seberang Perai to enhance treatment services for workers injured or disabled in workplace accidents.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong stated this Perkeso facility represents the government’s effort to expand the national network of rehabilitation centres.
“During Budget 2026, the Prime Minister announced this Penang centre, which will be the fourth after Melaka’s facility built ten years ago,” he told reporters at the Penang DAP Deepavali Open House.
Sim noted the Ipoh centre has been completed and will open soon, while the Terengganu facility remains under construction.
The minister emphasised rehabilitation centres provide tremendous value and require nationwide expansion.
Sim highlighted the Melaka centre’s international standards featuring robotic technology, artificial intelligence, and cybernetics.
He reported a 70% recovery rate where most patients return to work, with others either not fully recovering or choosing not to resume employment.
“We observe high recovery rates and want to expand these centres as complementary support to Health Ministry facilities,” he added.
Sim expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for approving the Seberang Perai rehabilitation centre.
Planning continues for the centre’s location, treatment types, and overall costs pending negotiations with Perkeso and relevant agencies.
Each rehabilitation centre costs between 500,000 and 600,000 ringgit due to advanced facilities and latest rehabilitation technologies.
“Penang offers strategic importance as Malaysia’s main industrial and port hub with many workers at risk of occupational injuries,” Sim explained.
The Human Resources Ministry plans satellite rehabilitation centres in every state to serve Perkeso contributors.
Perkeso currently operates four satellite centres in Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam, Kuala Terengganu, and Tanjung Pelepas Port.
Satellite centres provide basic rehabilitation while advanced treatments occur at full centres like Melaka or Ipoh.
Sim stressed these services must remain accessible to all contributors requiring rehabilitation support. – Bernama
