SEREMBAN: In less than 24 hours after a Facebook post on the alleged abuse of senior citizens at Pusat Jagaan Warga Emas dan Terapi Fitrah went viral, its owner Azrin Shala came forward and described it as nothing more than a slander.
“Why am I being accused as such? I’m not afraid of the allegation, because I know Allah knows everything,” he said.
The 49-year-old said he was disappointed that some parties are purposely spreading slander that his centre had abused senior citizens and that some had succumbed to the cruel act.
According to him, 12 senior citizens aged 65 and above are housed at the care centre located at Taman Seremban 3, here, since it began operation six years ago.
“I admit that the video and the pictures were taken at my care centre but the allegations are not true. I had never abused them (senior citizens), and my workers had also done their duties in accordance with the procedures.
“The video that went viral was recorded while one of my workers was playing with one of the senior citizen.
“The pictures that went viral were taken in one of the rooms, which is specially provided to change the occupants’ diapers here,” he said when met by reporters at the care centre here today.
At about 11am this morning, policemen and officers from the state Social Welfare Department (JKM) were seen entering the premises, believed to conduct investigation since the case was circulated on social media.
Azrin said most of the senior citizens at the centre suffer from various health problems and were sent by their family members for intensive care with a fee ranging from RM1,300 to RM1,600 a month, depending on the level of their health.
He said the premises is licensed and registered with the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and has three employees managing the senior citizens daily.
Asked about the circulation of the photos and videos, Azrin did not rule out the possibility that the act was conducted by ‘insiders’ due to dissatisfaction.
“I do not want to accuse anyone but I hope the person will reflect on themselves. If he or she is not satisfied with me, come and see me and don’t opt to viral this issue.
“I do not want to humiliate anyone and hope this can be resolved. There’s no use to blow this out of proportion when our priority is the welfare of the senior citizens here,” he said.
Following the circulation of the video and pictures, Azrin said he and his employees had lodged a police report last night for further action.