The government is considering setting up more Social Security Organization (Socso) National Neuro-Robotics and Cybernetics Rehabilitation Centers across the country.
Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar said he has discussed the matter with Socso, but such a center required a detailed plan as it involved a significant cost.
"Currently, the largest center is located in Perak. We have the plan (to expand to other states) and discussed the matter with Socso but we need to understand that this project requires a high cost and strategic planning.
"If possible, we want to have this rehabilitation center in every state. But due to its high cost, it is still in the planning stage," he told reporters here after visiting the center at Bandar Meru Raya here.
The center would provide high-quality recovery and rehabilitation services to workers.
Sivakumar said the RM654 million state-of-the-art center would also be open to foreigners and this in turn would boost medical tourism in the country.
He said the project is currently in its second phase of construction, which is the superstructure and has seen an 11.86 per cent completion.
"The first phase of this project is developed on a land area of 15.56 hectares covering 11 blocks with a total gross floor area (GFA) of 929,909.22 square feet.
"The development of this rehabilitation center is targeted to be fully completed and will start operating at the end of 2024.
"It will become the best National Rehabilitation Centre in Malaysia and a hub for the largest neuro-robotic services not only in the Southeast Asian region but around the world," he said.
He added that the center could accommodate 700 patients at a time and be equipped with the latest robotic technology facilities, such as neuro-robotics treatment and cybernetics from Japan.
On his visit to the project site, Sivakumar also visited the temporary labor quarters (TLQ) and was satisfied with the facilities provided.
He suggested that it should become a standard in the provision of TLQ for foreign workers in Malaysia.
"The preparation of this TLQ complies with the standards and meets the requirements set by the Labor Department.
"The facilities provided at TLQ include an accommodation dormitory that can accommodate a maximum capacity of 644 workers, a cafeteria completes with cooking and washing dishes, a bath suitable for the capacity of the dormitory, and a prayer hall."
Source: www.nst.com.my