KUCHING: Advancing age is not an excuse for healthy elderly folks not to be involved in co-operatives, said Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah.

She said the government through the Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry had provided facilities including grants and financial assistance up to RM80,000 for the purpose.

“It’s a grant automatically offered based on the cooperative project proposed to the Malaysia Cooperative Commission.”

“The new cooperative will be given a loan up to RM50,000 without collateral compared to commercial banks. It gives a newly set up co-operative the funds to generate economic activity.”

Fatimah disclosed this at the launch of a state level Old Folks and Handicapped Day here on Sunday night.

She proposed the setting up of more activity centres so old folks can have a social life, especially in housing areas.

“I had proposed a few places including halls under my ministry to be utilised for the purpose in the state.”

She noted that the government had through the 1Malaysia Welfare Programme planned many activities to improve the quality of life of elderly people from the low income group.

Fatimah said these old folks and handicapped persons were exempted from fees for outpatient and specialist treatment at government hospitals or clinics.

At the event, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Norkiah, wife of the Head of State handed a total of RM443,000 in government grants to 32 welfare volunteer associations including for old folks and the handicapped.