Senior citizens are assets to Brunei Darussalam because they have valuable knowledge and expertise.
“There is no doubt that the well-being and development that we currently enjoy is the outcome of the hard work of our previous generations who are now our elderly. Therefore, all senior citizens must be respected, appreciated and given attention. Their rights and needs should be taken care of in ensuring a continuous quality of life,” said Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad in his message to mark International Day of the Elderly 2023.
Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi said, “There is no denying that the ageing rate in Brunei is increasing and all levels of society should understand their role in facing the ageing nation scenario. Therefore, in preparing the country to face the phenomenon of population ageing, the government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has implemented strategic measures in prioritising the welfare, well- being, and interests of the elderly.
“The review for the Plan of Action for the Elderly 2023-2027 under the National Council on Social Welfare has been completed through joint efforts between the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS).
“This plan of action reflects the commitment of the Government of His Majesty to focus on comprehensive successful ageing strategies, considering legal aspects, long-term care for the elderly, age-friendly cities as well as inclusive empowerment and development programmes for the elderly.”
The minister said the Sultanate is proud that the Tutong District Senior Citizens Activity Centre has been listed in the Global Database of Age-Friendly Practices and recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) for implementing age-friendly practices.
This month, the Sultanate, through Demensia Brunei in collaboration with the MoH and the MCYS, will host the Alzheimer’s Disease International Asia-Pacific Regional Conference for the first time.
According to statistics by the Community Development Department (JAPEM), 41,748 senior citizens are receiving Old Age Pension, and 654 of them also receiving Disability Allowance.
To ensure that no one needing assistance is left behind, JAPEM distributes in-kind assistance such as disposable diapers and milk to 130 recipients while Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah also provides similar assistance to over 70 senior citizens.
The minister also called on the private sector, non-governmental organisations, the community, volunteer bodies, youth and individuals to come forward and continue to contribute their service and expertise as well as carry out joint activities for the elderly community in the country.
“Let us all solidify our spirit and determination as a nation to achieve a high quality of life for the elderly. Most importantly, in planning and implementing initiatives in areas of interest, particularly in the social, economy, and cultural aspects, for the benefit of the elderly who deserve to be looked after, cared for, and given respect.
“At this juncture, let us join hands and work towards appreciating the sacrifices and contributions of the country’s jewel. The elderly are valuable in ensuring the well-being of the family, which will contribute towards social improvement, economic progress, national prosperity, and achieving Brunei Vision 2035,” said Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi. – James Kon
