MELAKA, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- At 71, Syed Amran Syed Omar remains a tireless presence on the ground, aiding disaster victims and communities across Perlis, and now plans to broaden his service to senior citizens neglected by their families.
The recipient of the Special Senior Citizen Award at the 2026 National Senior Citizens' Day celebration said the recognition he received today has given him a fresh boost to keep contributing to society through volunteer work.
"When we are given an award... like what I received today, it gives us spirit. A strong spirit that we carry, even at this late stage of life, to always help... to assist, no matter the time.
“If we sit quietly at this age, our health will be tested," he told reporters at the celebration, which was officiated by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri at the Melaka International Trade Centre in Ayer Keroh here today.
Syed Amran, who serves as deputy commander of St John Ambulance Malaysia's Perlis chapter, said his volunteer spirit has been channelled through a range of community work largely driven by a principle of continuing to serve society.
This includes helping COVID-19 victims and those affected by floods in Hulu Langat and the water surge disaster in Yan, Kedah.
He is also the secretary of the Village Development and Security Committee for Kampung Hutan Ketiau in Perlis.
Among his plans is the "Lawat, Rawat dan Siar" (Visit, Treat and Tour) programme, aimed at reaching out to senior citizens across the state who receive little attention from their family.
The initiative involves visiting and assisting these senior citizens, as well as taking them on outings to tourist spots to help improve their well-being and emotional state.
Meanwhile, Petaling Jaya Mayor Datuk Mohd Yazid Sairi, who received the Senior Citizen Care Award under the local authority category, said the welfare and well-being of senior citizens is a key focus of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).
“Petaling Jaya, one of Selangor's earliest cities, is home to some 830,000 residents, 7.5 per cent of whom are senior citizens.
"That is why we place strong emphasis on the welfare and well-being of senior citizens. We have even drawn up the Senior Citizen Care Action Plan 2026 to 2030 to ensure their welfare is looked after and given proper attention," he said.
Mohamad Yazid said senior citizens' welfare also depends on partnerships with non-governmental organisations, councillors and other government departments, so that programmes truly meet their needs.
He said educational and health activities have drawn positive feedback, among them workshops that help senior citizens understand the daily health habits they should adopt.
He added that MBPJ also runs economic and creative work activities, as well as emergency assistance for senior citizens in need, including free ambulance services.
Earlier at the event, awards were presented in the local council, corporate/statutory body and employer categories.
-- BERNAMA