SANDAKAN: A new community-based eldercare model called the Merpati (Elderly Day Care Centre) programme was launched here on Monday, aimed at supporting working families while helping senior citizens stay active and socially connected.
State Minister of Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing (KWKKR) Datuk Julita Majungki, who is also the Matunggong Assemblywoman, said the initiative addresses the growing challenge of caring for ageing parents in double-income households.
The Merpati programme provides daytime care for senior citizens aged 60 and above, including supervision, meals, basic health monitoring, and structured activities such as social interaction and light exercises. Participants return home at the end of the day, preserving family ties while giving caregivers much-needed respite.
Fees are set at approximately RM10 per day, with overnight stays available at around RM30. The service allows short-term stays of up to one week, with longer arrangements subject to discussion with the centre. The initial rollout is expected to accommodate about 30 senior citizens.
The programme was launched simultaneously at the Sri Harapan Elderly Home in Sandakan and the Air Panas Elderly Home in Tawau under the Sabah Social Welfare Services Department’s (JPKA) Santunan Prihatin initiative.
Julita explained that the model is designed to offer a practical alternative to full-time institutional care.
“Many families today are managing work commitments while caring for ageing parents. This programme provides support without separating them from their families,” she said when officiating the programme and launching the Merpati logo at the Sri Harapan Home for the Elderly on Tuesday.
“It functions like a day care centre — families can send their parents in the morning and bring them home in the evening,” she added.
The minister said the approach reflects a shift towards more flexible, community-based care, where older people are encouraged to remain physically and socially engaged.
“This is about maintaining dignity, social interaction, and a sense of purpose among our senior citizens,” she said.
Julita also stressed the importance of good management as such services expand, urging strong governance, transparency, and the prevention of leakages to ensure public funds directly improve the quality of life for the elderly.
Also present at the launch were JPKA Sabah director Jais Asri, Sandakan Member of Parliament Vivian Wong Shir Yee, and KWKKR permanent secretary Datuk Maria Chong. – James Leong
Julita (third, left), and other officials during the launching of the Merpati Programme in Sandakan.
