Response to Oral Question PL49

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YANG BERHORMAT DAYANG HAJAH ROSMAWATTY BINTI HAJI ABDUL MUMIN

QUESTION:

YANG BERHORMAT DAYANG HAJAH ROSMAWATTY BINTI HAJI ABDUL MUMIN asks the MINISTER OF CULTURE, YOUTH AND SPORTS to state the Ministry's efforts to encourage youth volunteers, NGOs, and corporate institutions, which could still be improved, to participate in programs for the elderly and care for their well-being. This question is raised with the aim of achieving progress and inclusivity as 10.8% (48,800 people) of Brunei's population are elderly and is projected to increase to 64,158 people by 2030.

YANG BERHORMAT MINISTER OF CULTURE, YOUTH AND SPORTS

ANSWER:

1. Thank you Yang Berhormat Pehin Yang Di-Pertua. Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

2. Firstly, I would like to express gratitude to Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin for the question PL49 regarding the steps taken by the Ministry to encourage the involvement of youth volunteers, NGOs, and corporate institutions in programs supporting the well-being of the elderly.

3. Yang Berhormat Pehin Yang Di-Pertua, in line with the Elderly Action Plan under the National Council on Social Issues, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), together with relevant agencies, continues to strive to enhance the well-being of the elderly, especially those in need. This approach involves close collaboration with the private sector, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and local communities to ensure more comprehensive aid and support can be provided to this group.

4. For example, throughout 2023 and 2024, MCYS through the Department of Community Development (JAPEM) has implemented various welfare-oriented programs for the elderly involving active youth participation, including:

   a. First, International Day of Older Persons Celebration: In 2023, medical students from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) organized a special walkathon for the elderly. In 2024, the Brunei Medical Students Association (BMSA) conducted "The Golden Milestones", a virtual walkathon.

   b. Second, Elderly Care Project: JAPEM collaborated with the BERSATU Association (Youth Ship Alumni) in assisting and supporting the elderly through various supportive activities.

   c. Third, UBD Community Outreach Programme: UBD students conducted various programs for the elderly, including a bowling competition between Elderly Activity Centers in all four districts.

   d. Fourth, Cleanliness Campaign for Elderly Care Project Clients: Youth volunteers from various institutions, including Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (YSHHB), IBTE, UBD, UNISSA, and PKBN, participated in activities to support the elderly.

   e. Fifth, Brain Fitness Activities for the Elderly: Dementia Brunei in collaboration with UBD Community Outreach Programme students organized various activities, including traditional games, to stimulate the memory of the elderly.

   f. Sixth, ReST Program Research by UBD Medical Students: In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, this program was introduced to encourage the elderly to enhance physical strength and balance by integrating movements and terms from prayers.

5. Yang Berhormat Pehin Yang Di-Pertua, in this year's 13th intake of the National Service Programme (PKBN), MCYS has introduced a new module emphasizing volunteerism and social care, focusing on the elderly and people with disabilities (PWD). This initiative aims to create a more inclusive and considerate society towards these groups. Insya Allah, in the future, the National Service Programme training will continue to incorporate this module and collaborate with relevant agencies to safeguard the well-being of these groups. This will increase awareness among society regarding those who need assistance while fostering harmony, a sense of belonging, and compassion. In this regard, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports welcomes the participation of strategic partners and the public in providing cooperation and contributions to realize these aspirations.

6. Additionally, under the new Elderly Action Plan, MCYS will continue to empower youth participation in assisting the elderly, including in aspects of social support, mental well-being, and digital literacy to ensure they can adapt to changing times.

7. However, this does not mean the Ministry is already satisfied and views existing programs as sufficient. There is still room to expand and enhance more targeted initiatives, particularly in attracting more youth volunteers to support the elderly who need help. Simultaneously, MCYS will continue to strengthen collaboration with elderly associations to ensure each program implemented is more effective and truly meets their needs and well-being.

8. The Ministry also remains committed to strengthening the youth volunteerism ecosystem so that this noble effort not only benefits the elderly but also contributes to building a kinder, more inclusive, and united society.

9. That concludes the response to question PL49 from Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin. Thank you.