Like many countries, Malaysia is rapidly ageing. By 2040, the Malaysian government estimates that the number of those over 65 years of age will increase from 5% in 2010 to over 14% – a huge increase.

As part of its 30th year anniversary celebration in Kulim, the employees of Asahi Best Base Sdn Bhd brought cheer to the residents of Sunshine Cottage Welfare Society in the same district.

In a show of appreciation for the state’s athletes, the Penang government presented them with RM187,000 in incentives under its Skim Kemenangan Sukan Kerajaan Negeri Pulau Pinang (Skimas).

He may just be another lottery ticket peddler but to the disabled community, Wong Tin Choi is a prominent figure who has fought to protect their rights. The 58-year-old founder of Caring Rehabilitation Society of PWD, Penang, who is wheelchair-bound, said he was determined to help those in need following an accident 44 years ago, which left him paralysed from the waist down.

At first glance, the children playing futsal looked like any youngster bursting with energy on the court. Who would have thought that some of them were children with intellectual disability (ID) participating in a sport with nary a difference.

Centres for senior citizens should organise activities that are inclusive to ensure no member feels left out, says Deputy Women, Family and Community Develop­ment Minister Hannah Yeoh. Having visited many such centres, she said there was much room for improvement.

To most parents, having children with learning disabilities is a major concern, and it can be quite a challenge when they get older. To enable these adults with autism or Down Syndrome or slow learners to be independent, an NGO – Dignity and Services (D&S) – has been carrying out supported living programmes to equip them with life and communication skills since 2007.

Malaysia can use the expertise and technology of China to help children with special needs, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. She said early detection and intervention were important in the rehabilitation process of these children.

Volunteers from Citi Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur and Penang raised over RM102,000 for the Paralympic movement in Malaysia in support of the training and development of para athletes in boccia, para archery, wheelchair rugby and para badminton.

A four-year-old boy urgently needs cochlear implant surgery that will restore his hearing but unfortunately, his parents are unable to afford the operation. Ahmad Urwah Amin Ahmad Lutfi Amir from Kepala Batas on the Penang mainland has been diagnosed with nerve problems in the right side of his brain.