Living alone, but not alone: AI pilot at Razak Mansion aims to spot falls and raise alarms

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 — Elderly residents living alone at Razak Mansion could soon have an additional layer of protection through a new pilot project using artificial intelligence (AI), radar and thermal sensors to detect falls and unusual inactivity in their homes.

The six-month pilot will involve equipping up to 50 homes with sensor-based technology that can identify when an elderly resident has fallen or shows signs of unusual inactivity, triggering alerts to caregivers and the relevant authorities.

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the initiative would explore how technology, particularly the Internet of Things (IoT), could be used to improve the safety and care of older adults as part of wider smart city efforts.

“We often see technology such as the Internet of Things being used for other things, but not necessarily in the context of caring for the elderly in smart cities.

“That is why we are trying to work on this programme, to see whether lives can be saved and what challenges exist before we try to implement it in other places,” he said.

The system will use radar and thermal sensors instead of cameras, allowing residents to be monitored without visual surveillance inside their homes.

When the sensors detect a fall or an absence of movement that triggers an alert, notifications will be transmitted through internet-connected devices to caregivers and security personnel, who can then take the necessary action.

Fahmi said the pilot would run around the clock for six months to assess the technology’s effectiveness, safety and sustainability, including whether its operating costs would make it practical for wider implementation.

“The target here is that we want to know how the technology works and also look at the impact.

“We want to make sure that it is safe, privacy-first and sustainable, because it has to be cost-effective for rollout to other places as well,” he said.

He said the project was still in its design and preparation stages, with procurement of the necessary devices and equipment next.

The pilot is expected to begin early next year once the required processes and procurement have been completed.

Fahmi said the number of participating homes and the project’s eventual expansion would depend on the findings, particularly whether the technology could be adapted to other communities with similar needs.

Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh said Razak Mansion was selected after authorities found that more than 60 per cent of its residents were older adults.

She said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Kuala Lumpur office had visited the premises several times to assess how the programme could be implemented.

“We were told that more than 60 per cent of the people here are elderly, so we worked with MCMC on a project to help senior citizens who are living alone.

“This is the first programme of its kind to assist elderly residents, and I hope more people living alone at Razak Mansion will participate,” she said.

Hannah said the government hoped to eventually expand the initiative to other areas, adding that greater participation would help establish the programme’s effectiveness.

She said the press conference was also intended to reassure residents about the initiative, as some might be hesitant to participate because it involved two government agencies.

Beyond the technology pilot, Hannah said the government was also working to improve the daily lives of elderly residents through better facilities and learning opportunities.

She said the Federal Territories Department had allocated funding to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for walkway improvements, making it easier for older adults to move around and exercise.

Hannah also said she had allocated RM15,000 for English classes for elderly residents, with efforts underway to secure funding for Bahasa Melayu classes.

She said attendance at the English lessons had been encouraging, reflecting the demand for opportunities among older residents to remain active and continue learning.

“In fact, we are looking to add BM (Bahasa Malaysia) classes as well and we hope more people will participate in this pilot project,” she added.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to make Kuala Lumpur more age-friendly while exploring how technology can help protect vulnerable residents living independently.