By Dato’ Sri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed

Ten years ago, Malaysia took a bold leap forward, a step driven by a vision to rebuild shattered lives and restore dreams once thought lost. It was here, on this soil of the extensive history lineages state of Melaka, that Pusat Rehabilitasi PERKESO (PRP) planted the seeds of a future filled with hope.

Now, as we celebrate a decade of extraordinary transformation, PRP stands tall as a symbol of courage, resilience and the boundless spirit of the Malaysian people.

This unparalleled journey is not just about recovery, it is about empowerment. PRP did not just open doors to a new era of rehabilitation, as it built bridges for thousands to rediscover purpose and reclaim dignity.

What began in 2014 with a single centre in Melaka has blossomed into a national revolution, touching the lives of more than 15,000 Malaysians who have walked through PRP’s doors and emerged stronger, determined to conquer new horizons.

Gamechanger

PRP’s inception was not a simple addition to the healthcare landscape, it was a gamechanger. The establishment of the Pusat Rehabilitasi PERKESO Tun Abdul Razak in Melaka heralded a new chapter in Malaysia’s ability to care for its own. It was a daring step forward, matched only by its ambition to become a national force of healing and transformation.

Today, satellite centres across Shah Alam, Kuala Terengganu, Kuala Lumpur and Johor stand as beacons of accessibility and innovation. They signal one clear message to Malaysians, that is no matter who you are or where you live, PRP is here for you.

Every success story emerging from PRP is proof of a simple truth that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. Through personalised rehabilitation plans, PRP addresses not just the physical, but the emotional and vocational challenges its patients face.

It is about building back stronger lives, not just healed bodies. From re-skilling programmes in culinary arts to vocational training in office management, PRP provides the tools for individuals to rebuild their futures.

Supported by PERKESO’s Return-to-Work initiative, over 73,000 Malaysians have stepped back into the workforce since 2017 with not just jobs, but with renewed pride and purpose.

PRP’s commitment to innovation has redefined the limits of rehabilitation. When others saw boundaries, PRP pushed forward, partnering with global leaders like Cyberdyne Japan to introduce the world-renowned Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) robot suit. Since its launch in 2018, HAL has empowered over 2,200 patients, with nearly 60 per cent regaining functional recovery.

This is not mere technology, instead it is a life-changing miracle for those who once thought mobility was beyond their reach.

The evolution did not stop there. In collaboration with India’s Institute of Brain and Spine Hospital, PRP introduced neuromodulation therapy, a cutting-edge breakthrough for complex neurological conditions.

PRP embraces every stage of life

These advancements are not just treatments but promises that no challenge is too great for PRP’s determination to deliver hope.

From children with developmental challenges to older Malaysians striving for better mobility and independence, PRP embraces every stage of life. Its services for paediatric and geriatric rehabilitation extend beyond the realm of care as it charts a step toward better living every day.

This commitment ensures that PRP is there for Malaysians, not just at moments of crisis, but throughout the journey of life. With new comprehensive centres in Perak and Terengganu, PRP is scaling greater heights.

The Perak centre will lead the nation in neuro-robotics and cybernics therapies, while the Terengganu centre will empower Malaysians through industry-relevant vocational training.

These are not sheer expansions; they are the next chapter in a story that redefines rehabilitation and strengthens communities across the nation.

As Malaysia emerges as a destination for health tourism, PRP is positioned to lead the way with world-class therapies and care. But this endeavour is not solely centred in gaining recognition, it is about giving Malaysians access to cutting-edge healthcare that transforms lives and positions our nation as a leader in medical excellence.

Non-communicable diseases

The rising tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially diabetes, hypertension and brain ischaemia or stroke among the younger generation is profoundly alarming, with 75,115 cases recorded between 2015 and 2024, including some affecting individuals as young as a denarian.

Official data from PERKESO reveals an even grimmer crisis as, over the past decade, an average of 24 per cent of the more than 1.44 million claims stemmed from NCD-related conditions. The situation reached a distressing peak in 2023, with NCD cases surpassing 30 per cent, a stark warning that immediate intervention is necessary before we cross the point of no return.

This escalating nightmare, deeply entwined with lifestyle choices, has also transcended into the prevalence of cancer, with 39,414 cases recorded between 2015 and 2024, averaging a shocking 11 cases every day.

The gravity behind the rise in cancer cases highlights the need for next-generation targeted therapies available in the market such as monoclonal antibodies, which can target specific genetic causes of cancer; genomic profiling, which analyses genetic material to identify mutations responsible for cancer; and radiotherapy innovations like proton beam therapy (PBT).

Known as a revolutionary non-invasive treatment for cancer, PBT harnesses the power to precisely target tumours while sparing healthy tissues and produces higher efficacy compared to conventional modalities while implicating minimal side effects.

Therefore, PRP’s vision for Malaysia’s primary PBT centre is not just about advanced care but hope for patients and families, redefining how cancer is treated in the region.

As PRP looks ahead to its next decade, one thing is certain that this journey is far from over. With courage in its heart and innovation in its hands, PRP is ready to chart new paths, break new ground and uplift more lives. This is a story of possibility. A story of resilience. A story that belongs not just to PRP, but to every Malaysian who dares to dream of a better tomorrow.

Together, we will build a future where every life is valued, every challenge is met with resolve and every dream has the chance to soar. This is not just a celebration as it is a call to action. Let us rise together and make the next chapter of Pusat Rehabilitasi PERKESO’s journey one for the ages.

-- BERNAMA

Dato’ Sri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed is Group Chief Executive Officer of PERKESO.