A TOTAL of RM654 million has been allocated for the construction of the Social Security Organisation’s (Socso) National Neuro-Robotics and Cybernics Centre, a modern landmark and a new revolution in workers’ recovery and rehabilitation services. 

Human Resources Minister M. Saravanan said the cost of the project, covering more than 37ha in Bandar Meru Raya, Ipoh and targeted for completion in end-2024, increased from an initial RM500 million following the hike in cement and iron prices. 

“The construction of this second rehabilitation centre is an initiative of the Human Resources Ministry, through Socso, to provide better quality recovery and rehabilitation services to employees, besides helping to expand these services to the public, especially in the northern zone.

“Since 2014, about 35% of the total cases of workers registering with the Socso Tun Abdul Razak Rehabilitation Centre in Malacca are from the northern zone,” he told a press conference at the complex’s groundbreaking ceremony in Bandar Meru Raya today. Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad was also in attendance.

Saravanan said the international-standard complex would accommodate up to 700 patients at a time and would focus on holistic medical and vocational rehabilitation based on the whole life-cycle rehabilitation concept.

In addition, he said, the health complex would also serve as a sophisticated centre of excellence for the rehabilitation and return to work programme, not only locally but also at the Southeast Asian and global level.

He said the project’s construction would be monitored by the sultan of Perak and menteri besar and that the ministry is now looking into building another centre in the east coast. 

Saarani, meanwhile, said the state government welcomed the centre, equipped with the latest robotic technology facilities such as neuro-robotics treatment and cybernics from Japan, which will enable workers with disabilities due to accidents or illnesses to be assisted through physical and vocational rehabilitation and eventually re-enter the workforce. 

“The operation of this rehabilitation centre will also intensify domestic tourism activities and boost Perak’s potential as one of the top locations of choice for the health tourism industry in Malaysia, in line with the Perak Structural Plan 2040 and the state government’s preparations for Visit Perak Year in 2025,” he said.

“Almost 400 job opportunities will be created to handle services and facilities at this centre.” – Bernama, June 11, 2022.