Melaka: The government has earmarked RM5 million under the 2026 Budget initiative for the implementation of the Ritma Kehidupan Harmoni (Rythm) Programme across the country this year. The initiative aims to enhance the wellbeing of senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PwDs) through various health and therapy programmes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Social Welfare Department (JKM) director-general Datuk Che Murad Sayang Ramjan highlighted that the Rythm Programme will incorporate 133 Healthy Elderly programmes and 133 therapy programmes specifically designed for PwDs. These initiatives are projected to benefit a total of 13,300 senior citizens and PwDs nationwide within this year.

The programme will also feature six zonal training series that will involve approximately 2,900 participants. Datuk Che Murad emphasized the programme's focus on promoting social wellbeing, holistic care, and strengthening intergenerational relationships to foster a more caring and inclusive community. These activities will be held at Senior Citizens Activity Centres (PAWE), Community-Based Rehabilitation Centres (PDK), and other Welfare Department institutions nationwide.

In addition, Che Murad mentioned that the programme is being carried out in strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), with a particular focus on youth volunteerism and welfare activities. This initiative is expected to not only cultivate a sense of compassion and volunteerism among the youth but also bolster community support for the elderly and PwDs.

Datuk Che Murad also underscored the programme's role in uniting communities across generations, thereby strengthening social support networks. Specific to the southern zone, encompassing Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Johor, JKM has already implemented 12 out of the 13 targeted programmes for the first phase, with plans to extend the initiative to central, northern, eastern, Sabah, and Sarawak zones in the near future.

To date, the southern zone programme has benefited 608 elderly individuals and has seen participation from 438 youth volunteers, demonstrating the initiative's growing impact and reach.