Fahmi: Smart sensor project for elderly to roll out next year

KUALA LUMPUR: A new pilot project utilizing smart sensors to detect emergencies and alert caregivers is set to commence early next year, with the aim of enhancing the safety of elderly individuals living alone. This joint endeavor between the Federal Territories Ministry and the Communications Ministry, administered by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), was launched at Razak Mansion, a residential development housing a substantial senior citizen population.

Hannah Yeoh, a minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), revealed that over 60% of Razak Mansion's residents were senior citizens, which prompted the initiative. She highlighted that this marks the first collaboration specifically targeted at safeguarding the elderly community.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil informed that the initiative will involve a six-month pilot, engaging between 25 to 50 households. The project, based on IoT-based smart sensors, aims to detect emergencies like falls and issue early alerts to ensure prompt assistance. Notably, the system employs body heat sensors to monitor residents' presence and movements without compromising their privacy or dignity.

Fahmi emphasized that the pilot would evaluate the technology's effectiveness, costs, and potential for broader implementation, as well as its potential to save lives. He assured that residents' personal data would be safeguarded throughout the project. Malaysia's population is aging, with the number of individuals aged 60 and above projected to reach 4.1 million (12% of the population) in 2025, up from 3.9 million (11.6%) in 2024.

Similarly, the proportion of people aged 65 and above is expected to increase to 8% in 2025, from 7.6% the previous year, classifying Malaysia as an ageing society according to the United Nations.