Kuala Belait - Belait Female Welfare Association (PKP) recently held a 'Malam Titian Emas' to show appreciation towards their senior members, aged 65 years old and above, who still remain active in the association. The event took place at Serikandi Restaurant in the Belait District.

The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah by Dyg Hjh Taibah binti Kudi, Chairperson of Welfare Bureau PKP, followed by a welcoming speech by Dyg Hjh Kertini binti OKPSD Abang Hj Abu Hanifah, the President of PKP.

According to Dyg Hjh Kertini, the annually held event was to support the International Women Council's `Caring For Woman is Caring for the World' slogan, while at the same time, to strengthen ties among the old and new members of the association.

The event then proceeded with a talk by Dr Hjh Budi Rusitawati binti Hj Budilsmardi on healthcare in the old age, where she emphasised that it is crucial to maintaining a good quality of life because as a person age, so will their body system.

One of the most important aspects to look upon is maintaining a balanced diet. However, Dr Hjh Budi stated that since some of the elderly suffer from different kinds of chronic diseases, their diet must be made appropriate to suit their condition. Among other aspects covered were disease prevention and detection initiatives, such as HPV vaccination and Pap Smear examination.

Meanwhile, there was also a presentation of souvenirs to two senior members of the association; 85-year-old Hjh Siti Zarah binti Kimong and 69-year-old Hjh Jijah binti Johari, by its president.

The association was established on June, 1965. It currently has 200 members from Kg Labi, Kg Sungai Teraban, Pekan Kuala Belait and other villages in the Belait District, and membership is open to those aged 16 years old and above. Their activities range from religious, social, communal, cultural, economical to national activities.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin