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Perkeso's neuro-robotics centre 80 per cent complete, opening next year

Perkeso's neuro-robotics centre 80 per cent complete, opening next year

New Straits Times21 hours ago
IPOH: The largest neuro-robotics rehabilitation and cybernetics centre in Southeast Asia under the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) in Meru here has experienced slight delays, but is now 80 per cent completed.
State Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman A. Sivanesan said while the project was expected to be completed by the end of this year, the facility is only set to open next year.
"It's a very modern and sophisticated facility, with various advanced equipment and systems involved. But honestly, I don't think it's that delayed, considering the size of the project.
"I estimate that it will be completed this year. However, it may take a few more months before it may begin operations, because they need to conduct trial runs and other preparations.
"This facility involves a lot of robotics and high-tech systems. It's not about hiring regular workers, this is a highly specialised centre," he said.
He was speaking after handing over employment insurance benefits and launching the MyFutureJobs Mini Career Carnival at Wisma Perkeso here today.
It was reported that the government had allocated RM654 million to build the facility that was expected to be completed in May this year.
Sivanesan added that the project had also drawn the attention of Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
"Although the project is slightly behind its initial timeline, I strongly believe it will be completed this year. It's not just any project, it is under the watchful eye of His Royal Highness," he said.
He added that the remaining 20 per cent of work involved structural tasks and interior setup.
"I also met with Human Resources Minister Steven Sim and the state government expressed interest in visiting the site to assess its completion status and current condition.
"We were promised a visit, but were advised to wait due to safety concerns, as construction is still ongoing.
"So, perhaps in a month or two, a delegation including the Perak Menteri Besar and all state executive council members will visit the site," he said.
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