2014: The Year of the Wooden Horse

2014: The Year of the Wooden Horse

2014: The Year of the Wooden Horse

Posted: 26 Jan 2014 08:25 AM PST

What's in store for 2014?

In the year of the Wood Horse, the most dominant element is Fire. Fire element industries, therefore, will generally do well. These industries include oil and gas, airlines, restaurants, IT, electronics, metaphysics, and spiritual studies. With Fire being extremely prosperous, it does indicate a general impatience, volatility, and unrest in the minds of people. In the year's birth chart, the element of Water is missing, indicating a lack of ideas and deeper thoughts. Put these two situations together, we will see a tendency for more fighting and quarrels across the world. Fire-related natural disasters are also to be expected, such as volcano eruptions, earthquakes, and also forest fires.

The second most prominent element of the year is Wood. Therefore, Wood industries, such as education, printing, fashion, herbs and botany, are expected to continue flourishing. The Earth element, in the presence of extreme Fire, starts to harden. This indicates obstructions and lethargy in Earth industries, such as property and real estate. The Metal element, which is weak in the year's birth chart, also indicates challenges in sectors such as finance, the auto industry, and machinery. Changes in the legal system and financial trends are to be expected when strong Fire melts Metal. However, with the Water element missing, a lot of big decisions will be made based on emotions and fear, rather than wisdom and intelligent reasoning. The year will also see Water-related industries, such as tourism, travel, and fishery, slowing down.

Feng Shui for the Year

The danger zone for the year is in the Northwest sector. You can check this no-touch zone by using a compass and measuring it from the centre of your home or office.

This sector should not be renovated or "activated" with even as simple an act as nailing from February 4 onwards until the end of the Wooden Horse year. In short, it should be largely left alone, with little or no activities held in this sector because activating this sector will trigger negative Qi that will bring about possible accidents and injuries.

The Wealth Star of the year is in the South. Using this sector as your bedroom or office room can bring about financial opportunities, as well as gradual career advancement.

The most positive sector for the year is actually the Southwest sector, where the One White Noble Star and the Sun Star are present. Those who already have a Southwest sector door can expect financial increase, as well as meet extremely helpful people this year. You can choose to activate this sector of the building with a water feature that is gentle-moving, but of substantial size. The constant movement of water activates the positive Qi of the Stars here.
Meanwhile, the Star of Power and Authority resides in the West sector. Activating this sector will bring about recognition and opportunities for career advancement.

Welcoming the God of Wealth

Just a little after midnight on the first day of Chinese New Year (Jan 31, 2014), at precisely 12.15am, is an extremely auspicious time, based on the configuration of stars affecting Earth at that moment.

There are three notable stars you can tune into to get the maximum positive effects to kick-start your new year. They are the Wealth Star, which is also known as the proverbial God of Wealth, the Happiness Star, and the Nobility Star.
For those who wish to skip the ceremonies and cultural aspect, all you really need is to light a nice candle and have a bowl of water in front of you. Sit facing the direction you require, relax your breathing, and make a wish or prayer for what you want.

The Wealth Star resides in the Northwest, so you need to face this direction that night to manifest and wish for wealth-related pursuits, business opportunities, and financial growth. For relationships and personal happiness, the Happiness Star is in the South, so for those looking for that special someone, make a wish in this direction. Lastly, the Nobility Star, for those seeking help and guidance, lies in the East.

Good Dates to Start Work
Feb 4 (5th Day of CNY) Best hour — 9am (not suitable for those born in the year of the Rat)
Feb 10 (11th Day of CNY) Best hour — 9am (not suitable for those born in the year of the Horse)
Feb 8 (9th Day of CNY) Best hour — 9am (not suitable for those born in the year of the Dragon)

Top 3 Positive Animal Signs of 2014

1. Goat [1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967,
1979, 1991, 2003]
The Goat constellation contains the Sun Star this year, indicative of fame, financial opportunities and reputation increase. The Sun Star also helps dissolve any problems, and generally attracts the right people and enhances decision making. For those born in the month of the Goat (July 7 - Aug 6), expect new career opportunities or a career promotion. The Sun Star favours the bold, therefore be more active in taking risks this year. For those born in the hour of the Goat (1pm - 3pm), you are affected by the Sky Emptiness Star, which denotes loneliness, and attachment to past lonely experiences. As such, it is wise to not spend too much time alone and seek out your friends — go to parties! This is also not the best star for new intimate relationships.

2. Rabbit [1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011]
The Rabbit constellation contains the Sky Happiness Star, Fortune Noble Star, Heavenly Noble Star and the Prosperity Star. For those born in the year of the Rabbit, it is a year for building relationships, networking, and exchanging favours. With the effects of the many positive stars, people will find you more attractive, approachable, and easy to work with. Therefore, expect more opportunities, as well as offers for joint ventures, partnerships and collaborations. This is especially true for those born in the month of the Rabbit (March 6 - April 4). In terms of personal relationships, Rabbits will enjoy deeper and more meaningful ones. For those born in the hour of the Rabbit (5am - 7am), capitalise on your creative ideas and marketing plans. The only slight drawback comes from two negative Stars — the Salty Pool and the Twisted Tongue — which indicates some back-stabbing and envy from insignificant others.

3. Ox [1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009]
The Ox Palace contains the Emperor Star, and the Dragon Noble Star. This is an extremely powerful combination that, once again, dissolves all problems and difficult situations. This also means that it is the perfect year for those born in the year of the Ox to sort out old issues or repair relationships. For those born in the month of the Ox (Jan 6 - Feb 3), they can also expect positive career growth, new opportunities, and a helping hand from those around them. Remember: ask and you shall receive. Even in terms of relationships, you are expected to be proactive. Take the first step and make things happen. Towards the middle of the year, some minor obstacles and delays are to be expected, but these are challenges that should not be too difficult for the Ox to surmount. For those born in the hour of the Ox (1am - 3pm), you may feel compelled towards perfectionism and correcting others, especially those around you, who may find this slightly annoying.

Top 3 Most Challenged Animal Signs for 2014

1. Tiger [1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010]
The Tiger constellation contains zero positive Stars, and a host of negative Stars, such as the White Tiger, Earth Killings, and Greater Killings. Therefore, this is a year of caution, with a focus on health and personal well-being. Stay put, maintain a low profile, maintain the status quo. This is not the right time for big projects, changing jobs, or starting a new business. This includes not only those born in the Tiger year, but also those born in the Tiger month (Feb 4 - March 5), and Tiger hour (3am - 5am). Go for a thorough medical check-up, with a focus on the spine, the heart, or the head. Obviously, it's also not a fantastic year for relationships, so remember to stay out of any dramatic situations, and exercise your right to remain silent.

2. Rat [1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008]
The Rat constellation is also occupied by a host of negative Stars, such as the Sky Cry, Great Consumer, Calamity Killings, and the Fence. Also being in direct opposition to the year of the Horse, you will find that the people around you and your working environment seem to be against you. Stay calm and don't react with anger. This also affects those born in the month of the Rat (Dec 7 - Jan 5), or the Rat hour (11pm - 1am). This is a good year to meditate, learn yoga, and basically reflect and restructure your personal life and goals. Those born in the Rat hour may also fall into escapism tendencies and indulge in relationships, food, or other substances. Always remember, stay practical and stay realistic. The Great Consumer Star indicates unexpected expenditures, so it would be wise to budget your expenses carefully.

3. Monkey [1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004]
For those born in the year of Monkey, you have one positive Star, which is the Sky Horse Star. This is helpful for travelling to seek new opportunities, or for those in sales, which require a lot of moving around. In fact, those born in the month of the Monkey (Aug 7 - Sep 7), should explore opportunities from afar, or change locations. The negative Stars present are the Solitary Loneliness, Funeral Door, and Earth Funeral. These three indicate a less ideal health condition and also a slight sense of depression. For those born in the hour of the Monkey (3pm - 5pm), avoid attending any funerals or hospital visits this year, due to your weaker immune system. Relationship-wise, it is considered unstable due to the Sky Horse Star.

The Remaining Animals (In no particular order)

Horse [1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002]
In the year of the Horse, the Horse itself doesn't do too badly, despite having the Self-Punishment Formation (beware of self-sabotaging behaviour, or developing new bad habits such as smoking, gambling or drinking). With the presence of the Golden Lock Star, supported by the General Star, overall financial gain and career improvement can be expected. This especially applies to those being employed to others or those climbing the corporate ladder. The effects are doubled for those born in the month of the Horse (June 6 - July 6). Those born in the hour of the Horse (11am - 1pm), are affected by the Triple Punishment Star, the Hidden Corpse, and the Sword Edge, which indicates miscommunication and arguments with significant others and family. Be careful of saying things you don't mean. Healthwise, it is also not the best time to try out extreme sports, such as bungee jumping or rock climbing.

Rooster [1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005]
Those born in the year of the Rooster can expect a fantastic financial year, making this a good year for investments as well, due to the Moon Star, which is one of the major Wealth Stars in astrology. There will also be help or useful advice from females. The effects are doubled for those born in the month of the Rooster (Sept 8 - Oct 7). The Red Matchmaker Star also makes it a wonderful relationship year, especially for those seeking new relationships. Generally, the people you meet are positive minded and sincere. Have fun and mingle! Healthwise, the Goat Blade Star indicates injury and problems with the knees or feet. Be extra careful while jogging or even walking, especially in the month of March and September. This is especially true for those born in the hour of the Rooster (5pm - 7pm).

Dog [1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006]
The Dog constellation contains the positive Stars of Earth Relief, Elegant Seal, and National Treasure. Overall career and finances will see positive improvements, especially for those in the creative industries. With the presence of the Five Ghost Star and the Officer Talisman Star, be mindful of legal problems or fines. This is also true for those born in the month of the Dog (Oct 8 - Nov 6), or the hour of the dog (7pm - 9pm). Relationship-wise, things may not go as smoothly. However, it is a good year for self-improvement and cultivation.

Pig [1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007]
For those born in the year of Pig, the Monthly Noble Star ensures that you get the help that you need throughout the year. Generally, things will be smooth and not too stressful. The Lesser Consumer Star indicates sudden expenditures, so what you can do at the start of the year is to make a list of the things that you need to buy — and go get them. For those born in the hour of the Pig (9pm - 11pm), you will be more affected by the Death Talisman Star, which indicates a less than ideal health condition and lower energy levels. Remember to eat right and exercise. Relationship-wise, for the Pig, is a rather stable year.

Dragon [1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012]
Those born in the year of the Dragon can expect to meet the right people and to be at the right place at the right time. They are affected by the Sky Relief Star and the Relief God Star. Both are extremely useful for problem-solving and getting help from others. Relationship-wise, the Loneliness Star and the Leopard Tail Star indicate a volatile temperament, which will affect communication and cause misunderstandings. For this year, if you have nothing nice to say, it is better not to say anything. Healthwise, we have the Blood Knife, Sky Dog and the Sinking Star, which indicates lethargy and a sluggish digestive system. But do also take note that with the presence of the two powerful positive Stars, any health problems can be fixed once and for all this year! This is especially true for those born in the hour of the Dragon (7am - 9am).

Snake [1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013]
Those born in the year of the Snake are governed by the Literary Star, which is excellent for those in the academic or writing industries. The Death God Star brings a tendency to overwork, jeopardising your health. Remember to take a break when you need it, despite your creative juices constantly flowing. The Illness Talisman Star in your constellation generally suppresses the immune system, especially for those born in the hour of the Snake (9am - 11am). Relationship-wise, there are no big changes, but with the presence of the Literary Star, expect to meet more interesting and diverse personalities.

 

Sherwin Ng, Chinese metaphysics expert.

'Follow guidelines in punishing students'

Posted: 26 Jan 2014 08:01 AM PST

27 January 2014| last updated at 11:44PM
By TASNIM LOKMAN | news@nst.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: SCHOOLS are told to carry out punishments against students without fear, favour or hesitation, so long as they act in accordance with their disciplinary guidebook.

National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Lok Yim Pheng said those in the teaching profession, however, should also be apt in assessing their students' personalities and disciplinary trend.

"There is a guideline in punishing students and the schools' disciplinary teachers as well as school heads must use it.

"Like the recent case of two pupils made to act like cows for not finishing their homework, instead of subjecting them to that kind of humiliation, the teacher involved should have used educational punishment to discipline them.

"Different schools have different sets of problems, so each school's set of guidelines has to be tailored to its disciplinary needs and based on the rules and guidelines set by the Education Ministry," she told the New Straits Times yesterday.

A teacher told the NST that many of her peers were hesitant in caning students even though they had committed grave offences for fear of backlash from parents, including police reports being lodged against them.

"It will be a nightmare if parents come to school with their sleeves rolled up, ready to chew us up for punishing their child.

"That is why many teachers come up with 'creative' ways to punish students for their offences even though we have the school guideline that allows us to mete out even corporal punishments," the secondary school teacher in Petaling Jaya said.

Lok said teachers must stop voicing reservations if they wanted to produce good students and disciplined future leaders.

She said if the schools allowed caning and dismissal for "hardcore" offences, such as smoking, drug dealing, habitual stealing and involvement in sexual activities on school grounds, teachers must make sure they follow the punishment through.

"Offences like these not only warrant counselling but also canning, suspension and dismissal.

"Of course, in cases like these, teachers should involve parents but teachers are empowered to mete out the punishment."

" The circulars that some schools adhered states that if a student is caught smoking for the first time on school grounds, he can be caned once.

"He will be caned twice or trice if he is caught the second and third time, respectively.

"The student will be suspended for not less than 14 days if he is caught for the fourth time. The school can dismiss the student if he does it again."

She said the case in Sungkai, Perak, where a 26-year-old teacher in a vernacular primary school made her two pupils to "act like cows" were uncalled for.

She said the teacher should have consulted the parent-teacher association and the pupils' parents to discuss the matter.

"The children can be punished (for not doing their English homework) but the punishment must be one that could help them improve themselves.

"This is where 'educational punishment' like writing extra essays, could be applied.

"The incident is humiliating for all parties involved. Teachers must be role models to the children, not 'break" them."

Teachers must be apt in assessing their students' personalities and disciplinary trend.

PM: Gen Y must chart own path

Posted: 26 Jan 2014 08:01 AM PST

27 January 2014| last updated at 11:45PM

He said while the government could not predict the future of the country, it could help prepare the present generation to face the challenges of a fast-changing world.

"I believe that if the present generation, which many call Generation Y, have good values, ethics, a sense of identity and a solid education and knowledge, the future of Malaysia will be amazing," he said at the opening of Gen-Y Fest 2014, which was held at the Educity Sports Complex here.

Present were his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khalid Nordin.

Najib said the time where the government assumed to know everything was over.

"People of Generation Y do not like to be told what can or can't be done.

"We also can't just tell them what is right and what is wrong. What we need to do is to provide them with all the information so that when the time comes, they would make informed choices and decisions.

"Hopefully, with the necessary education and information, they would not do things that go against our religious and cultural values."

Najib said for Malaysia to be a great nation, it was important for its people to be open-minded.

"We need people who have an international mind but with local roots.

"We also need to ensure that nobody is left behind as the country continues to develop and grow."

He said Gen Y also needed to embrace the values of creativity and innovation as they were important in ensuring Malaysia would continue to advance further.

Najib also officially opened Educity@Iskandar, a fully integrated education hub located in the Iskandar Development Region that had attracted a number of international universities.

Among those with campuses in Educity are Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia, the Netherlands Maritime Institute of Technology, Raffles University Iskandar and University of Southampton Malaysia.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak kicking a football during a visit to Educity Nusajaya Stadium in Nusajaya yesterday while his deputy, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, and wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, look on. Pic by Zulkarnain Ahmad Tajuddin

Najib: Umno must adapt

Posted: 26 Jan 2014 08:01 AM PST

27 January 2014| last updated at 11:46PM
By BEN TAN AND JASSMINE SHADIQE | news@nst.com.my

JOHOR BARU: UMNO must evaluate the changing demographics and adapt to  changes in order to appeal to not only the rural people, but also  urbanites to remain relevant, said party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Najib, who is also prime minister, said for the party to remain strong, Umno must put the people both in rural and urban areas first.

"We must further empower Umno and not just depend on our popularity in rural areas to win elections. We must also be accepted and have a strong hold on urban voters," he said in his speech at the opening of the new three- storey Johor Baru Umno building and office here yesterday.

Najib said Umno must also make changes to its long-held policies and take proactive measures at the division and branch levels to understand the party's support from the rural community, while at the same time, not be rejected by the urban community.

"They (Umno members) must carry out their responsibilities to the people.

"They must make it as their main priority," he said, stressing that Umno needed to strive to be popular and accepted in urban areas besides continuing to receive support from the rural people.

"The economic modernisation and urbanisation process of our country occur in parallel and continuously.

"In 1957, only 26.5 per cent or 1,666,300 of the 6,278,800 population lived in urban areas.

"However, by 2000, this number had increased to 62 per cent or 14,426,800 people living in urban areas compared with 38 per cent or 8,847,800 people living in rural areas.

"At present, it is estimated that more than 70 per cent of the population are living in urban areas."

Najib said Johor Baru member of parliament Tan Sri Shahrir Samad was a good example of an Umno leader who had managed to adapt to changes and set his priorities to serve the people first, thus winning their confidence and votes.

He said he was confident in the last general election when he put Johor Baru as a "white seat" and Shahrir as the JB Umno chief, who had managed to retain the parliamentary seat for Umno and also Barisan Nasional.

Najib, who later touched on the opening of the new Johor Baru Umno building, said the occasion yesterday was important as the party's struggle and history started here at the Istana Besar.

"However, that was 68 years ago and we cannot depend solely on history for the party to progress."

Najib reminded Umno members that the party needed to strive to be the main party for the people.

"We need to show that Umno is still relevant. Umno is not a self-serving party and we must help the people as this has always been the party's principle."

Najib said for Umno to stay relevant, there was a need for party members to fulfil promises and work harder for the people.

"The people must always be first... benefits are created by the government for the people and as leaders, we should ensure they reach the people and not be misused by leaders."

Shahrir said the JB Umno building, acquired three months ago, was owned by the party.

Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Johor state assembly speaker Datuk Mohammad Aziz, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan and MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak being swarmed by Johor Baru folk at the opening of the new Johor Baru Umno building and office yesterday. Pic by Zain Ahmed

Pahang gets flood aid

Posted: 26 Jan 2014 08:01 AM PST

27 January 2014| last updated at 11:40PM
By T.N. ALAGESH | news@nst.com.my

KUANTAN: PAHANG, the worst  state hit by floods last year,  will receive the biggest chunk from the RM56.9 million allocation set aside by the government to fix damaged roads, bridges and hillslopes.

Works Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof said the ministry had allocated RM41.5 million for repair works in Pahang, RM10.3 million for Terengganu and RM5.1 million for Johor.

He said the ministry had identified five bridges and 18 hillslopes which required repairs in Pahang; 10 roads, a bridge and three slopes in Terengganu; and, seven roads, a bridge and three slopes in Johor.

"The ministry has listed down all the roads, bridges and hillslopes in the three states that were ruined in the floods last year and repair work will commence soon.

"The concessionaire companies responsible for the federal stretches have been also directed to carry out the repairs works.

"The ministry might also need some additional time to carry out technical studies before repairing some stretches following the uneven surfaces caused by the recent floods," Fadillah said after visiting flood-damaged roads here yesterday.

Several road stretches in Pahang were submerged in floods in December with some roads underwater for more than a week.

He said the ministry would keep a close eye on the ongoing upgrading works along Jalan Sungai Lembing here, which had been delayed for more than five years.

He said the contractor had promised to complete the stretch by next month and failure to do so would force the ministry to consider alternatives.

"We might choose to terminate the contract and hire a new contractor but we hope the current contractor can keep to the promise," Fadillah added.

"Time extension has been given to the current contractor in the hope that the ongoing works will be completed," he said, adding that certain areas along the stretch required rectification after the floods.

Works Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof (fourth from left) looking at a huge sinkhole in Lebuhraya Kuantan-Gebeng during a site visit to some of the roads that were damaged by the recent floods in Kuantan yesterday. Bernama pic

Government cares for the needy

Posted: 26 Jan 2014 08:01 AM PST

 "THE 1Malaysia Family Care programme was initiated to complement our efforts to improve the health of the people, and increase peace and prosperity in our country".

This was a part of the speech by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak when launching the 1Malaysia Family Care (1MFC) programme at Politeknik Sultan Idris Shah in Sabak Bernam, Selangor, on March 8 last year.

This National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS) project by the Health and Women, Family and Community Development Ministries began in August 2012 and focuses on holistic healthcare and social services for the elderly, disabled and single mothers.

Through this initiative, senior citizens will continue to get health treatment and, if necessary, be referred to clinics or hospitals for follow-ups.

The elderly who are functionally dependant or bedridden, and receiving monetary assistance from the Social Welfare Department (DSW), are also provided with healthcare services in their homes. They are screened for health risks and treated by medical personnel from a nearby clinic. Healthcare personnel will also be assigned to train family members and caregivers to enable them to give proper care.

To meet the needs of senior citizens, the DSW has drawn up social support services, such as the Home Help Services, carried out by registered volunteers. They help the elderly to shop for groceries and go to the clinic, as well as spend time chatting or reading to them and take them out for recreational activities.

The disabled people at community-based rehabilitation (CBR) centres are provided with comprehensive services, including nutritional assessment, immunisations, dental treatment and rehabilitation. In addition, the DSW will provide social support, such as skills training and counselling, to help the residents earn a living.

Activities for single mothers include seminars and training, organised together with the Association of Single Mothers and other agencies.

The activities are aimed at improving their access to healthcare and social support. They comprise health screenings, education on women's health, mental health assessment and activities that strengthen their skills, for example, in culinary or handicraft to encourage them to start their own business.

Our prime minister has made a commitment to improve the lives of vulnerable groups, particularly in health and social services.

Last year, health personnel visited 274 old folks homes, where 11,419 seniors were screened for diseases and given treatment.

It was found that 20 per cent of them suffered from hypertension, 13 per cent had diabetes and 12.7 per cent had stroke.

Health personnel from nearby clinics also went to the homes of 7,472 elderly and disabled persons. A total of 7,233 family members and caregivers were trained on how to provide better care for their wards.

The training includes basic healthcare, hygiene, cleaning and bathing techniques, as well as proper positioning for safe feeding. The family members were also taught how to prevent bed sores and proper techniques of lifting and moving patients so that they themselves do not suffer from back injuries.

Proper care and handling of wheelchairs was also taught to those caring for disabled people.

The Health Ministry has prepared two manuals, the Caregiver Training Manual for Persons with Disabilities in Institutions and Home and Manual Penjaga Warga Emas, which can be downloaded from www.fh.moh.gov.my.

Last year, through the Home Help Services programmes, 864 participants have volunteered in activities to help 2,539 elderly and 394 disabled persons. They gave social support to those in need, including cleaning their houses, helping to purchase necessities and paying their bills.

A total of 16,526 persons with disabilities in 480 CBR centres was screened to determine their health and nutritional status. A total of 1,402 persons was found to be underweight and 2,120 overweight. All persons with nutrition problems had been referred for intervention. In addition, 1,299 children with disabilities were immunised according to their schedules.

Physiotherapists and occupational therapists made regular visits to the CBR centres and conducted 9,833 sessions, including gross and fine motor exercises, activities of daily living and vocational training.

Among the single mothers, 18,399 were screened and 40 per cent, or 6,796 of them, were found to have health risks. Of the total, 4,254 were referred for follow-up treatment.

1MFC initiatives will continue to be carried out as it has shown positive results as follows:

IMPROVED access to healthcare services;

EARLY detection of health problems among the vulnerable; and,

EMPOWERMENT of family members and the community to care for their elderly and disabled kin.

We hope the community will come forward to offer their assistance and volunteer for activities under the 1MFC initiative.

Those who wish to do so can enrol in the Home Help Services Programme or Program Khidmat Bantu di Rumah at the DSW offices in their districts.

Datuk Farida Mohd Ali

Last year, health personnel from nearby clinics visited the homes of 7,472 elderly and disabled persons to care for them. They also visited 274 old folk's homes (inset), where 11,419 senior citizens were screened for diseases and given treatment.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak launching the 1Malaysia Family Care (1MFC) programme at Politeknik Sultan Idris Shah Polytechnic in Sabak Bernam , Selangor, on March 8 last year.