Bukit Batok by-election: Murali plans for eldercare centre to ease needs of residents
Murali Pillai and Low Yen Ling greeting Bukit Batok residents at a bus stop near Block 229 Bukit Batok East. (Photo: Safhras Khan/Yahoo Singapore)
Lawyer Murali Pillai, the People’s Action Party’s candidate for the upcoming Bukit Batok by-election revealed his plans to help elderly residents, particularly those living alone, during his walkabout on Wednesday (4 May) morning.
Murali, who is contesting in the 7 May by-election against the Singapore Democratic Party’s chief Chee Soon Juan said there are plans to build an eldercare centre in the constituency to assist not only the elderly but also caregivers of such persons.
He noted that one in nine residents in Bukit Batok are aged 65 and above and that an eldercare centre could help ease the needs of these residents.
Speaking to the media at Block 229 Bukit Batok East, Murali said that although organisations such as St Luke’s Hospital and Concern & Care Society Neighbourhood Link provide care and support for elderly residents, an eldercare centre could help residents more.
“An additional care centre, especially one that offers daycare services will give much needed respite, particularly to care-givers,” said Murali who was accompanied by Member of Parliament (MP) for Choa Chu Kang GRC and Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), Low Yen Ling during the walkabout.
He also plans to provide elderly residents living alone with an emergency button. When activated, the emergency button will alert neighbours, relatives and community leaders of an urgent situation.
PAP Murali Pillai shows reporters the emergency button during a walkabout on 4 May. (Photo: Safhras Khan/Yahoo Singapore)
Residents supportive of plans: Murali
When asked about the ground sentiments, Murali said residents are supportive of his plans and are happy with his initiatives.
“In any election, residents will assess whatever plans that are being put forward by a candidate and whether these plans are worth supporting,” he said.
So far, Murali has held just one rally, compared to Chee who held his third rally on Tuesday night (3 May). Murali added that he has plans for another rally and will continue to walk the ground to meet more residents.
When asked to address Chee’s comments on national issues during SDP rallies, Murali said he would focus on talking about his plans for the constituency. On Tuesday evening, Chee had touched on CPF savings and challenges facing the elderly.
“Chee said what he said. There is a need to deal with the local residents as they are the ones who elect a MP,” said Murali. “It is one thing to talk in Parliament and push for an issue but we also need to have concrete plans to help local residents.”
