Chapter 1 - Report of the Education and Public Relations Group (d) Local Authorities The Commission extended its human rights course to enforcements officers from all the local councils in Perak. In previous years, it had conducted courses in Selangor and Penang, working with the Training Centre for Local Authorities. The aim is to sensitise enforcement officials to human rights in performing their tasks. Lectures highlight the human rights of the officers themselves, people with disabilities, children and women. Complaints received by the Commission are shared with the local authorities alongside practical solutions to address the issues raised, such as the lack of infrastructure in public places to meet the needs of persons with disabilities. 3. RIGHTS OF OLDER PERSONS The Education and Promotion Division worked closely with the Research and Policy Development Division to identify human rights issues affecting older persons. Early preparations are important because Malaysia will be deemed an ‘aged country’ in 2030 when the population aged 60 years and above makes up 15% of the population. On 23 April, the Commission visited three centres in Kuala Lumpur for information on the services provided. These were the Rumah Seri Kenangan operated by the Government, the Old Folks Day-care Centre run by the Council of Peninsular Malaysia Welfare Centre in Cheras, and the private Lecadia Primacare Centre in Pudu, Kuala Lumpur. The Education and Promotion Division has since planned activities and an awareness campaign to enable the wider community to appreciate the needs and understand the rights of older persons. 4. COMMUNITY EDUCATION Information on human rights was disseminated at the grassroots through a series of road shows held at Dewan Residensi Kangar, Perlis, Dewan Residen Kuala Lipis, Pahang, and Majlis Daerah Gerik, Perak. Key human rights issues raised during the question session included: • • • Freedom of speech and opinion on blogs for civil servants; Issues connected to Syariah law, including proposed coordination in all states; and Quality of healthcare services. Based on the response, the Commission is of the opinion that the road shows provide an effective platform for members of the public to share information on, and discuss, human rights at the community level. 27