The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, officially launched the Social Security Organisation's (PERKESO) Neuro-Robotics and Cybernetics Rehabilitation Centre in Meru Raya on June 16, underscoring the nation's drive to modernise rehabilitation and social healthcare. The facility, which draws architectural inspiration from traditional gold-thread embossing art, has been named "Pusat Rehabilitasi Perkeso Sultan Nazrin Shah" with royal consent.
In his address, Sultan Nazrin stressed that the centre transcends being merely a technology-equipped healthcare facility. Its true value, he said, stems from the skill and compassion of healthcare professionals who will work there. The centre brings together specialists across medicine, assistive technology, physiotherapy, occupational and vocational therapy, as well as psychological and social support services.
The Sultan described the facility as embodying a paradigm shift in how the nation approaches rehabilitation — one that merges technological sophistication with humanity and compassion. He emphasised that the centre demonstrates government commitment to workforce welfare and symbolises that every individual, every worker and every family holds importance. Recovery and independence, he noted, remain achievable through appropriate treatment, suitable technology and determination.
Sultan Nazrin highlighted the centre's potential to support diverse patients, from stroke survivors seeking to regain movement to workers recovering from neurological injuries and individuals with traumatic brain injuries. For families, the centre represents a source of hope and reassurance. The initiative was originally conceived by then-Minister of Human Resources M. Kulasegaran between 2018 and 2020.
Calling on society to eliminate stigma surrounding disability, Sultan Nazrin urged organisations to create employment pathways for rehabilitation programme graduates. He praised PERKESO's partnership with 7-Eleven in offering post-rehabilitation training and employment opportunities, and invited other private sector entities to support similar initiatives through corporate social responsibility and vocational programmes.
True national progress, the Sultan concluded, cannot be measured purely through economic growth or infrastructure development. Instead, it should be gauged by the nation's commitment to social programmes that uphold human dignity, protect vulnerable populations and offer second chances to those facing illness, injury or disability.
