Perak: The Perak government has set a target to involve 1,200 senior citizens in the Warga Emas Fit (WE FIT) 2026 programme, which is scheduled to take place at 12 locations across the state from April to October this year. The initiative is part of the state government's response to the challenges posed by an ageing population in Perak.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Salbiah Mohamed, chairman of the State Women, Family, Social Welfare, Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Committee, highlighted that the programme was introduced last year as a strategic measure to address the ageing population issue. Statistics from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) indicate that 14.6 per cent of Perak's population comprised senior citizens as of 2023, positioning the state in the ageing state category. This statistic underscores the necessity of initiatives that focus on enhancing physical health, mental well-being, and social engagement among the elderly.

Salbiah emphasized that the programme is crucial in fostering social connections, preventing isolation, and reducing the number of inactive elderly individuals at risk of becoming bedridden. The initial rollout of the programme demonstrated positive impacts on participants, showing improvements in physical and emotional fitness and increased community involvement. An evaluation revealed unanimous agreement among 329 respondents on the need to continue the programme, highlighting its success in creating a supportive environment for social interaction and overall well-being of senior citizens.

The WE FIT programme encompasses activities such as aerobics sessions, health screenings, awareness talks, mind therapy, and agency exhibitions, all aimed at enhancing participants' mobility and cognitive functions. Salbiah expressed hope that the programme will lead to healthier, more active, and resilient senior citizens, thereby contributing to the development of an inclusive, dynamic, and high-quality community in Perak.