Selangor To Roll Out AI-Driven Safety Monitoring For Senior Citizens

The Selangor state government is set to launch an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven safety monitoring system for older residents as part of a technology-focused strategy to address the challenges of a rapidly ageing population.

A pilot programme involving 150 smart devices is scheduled to begin in June, with installations planned at selected elderly care centres and private residences, contingent on individual consent.

The initiative is designed to complement traditional caregiving by embedding continuous, automated risk monitoring into daily living environments. The system aims to detect hazards such as falls, prolonged immobility, and sudden collapses in real time, potentially reducing injury severity and improving emergency response times.

Each device is equipped with infrared sensors and AI-powered analytics capable of tracking movement patterns, posture, gait, and spatial behaviour without requiring wearable devices or intrusive cameras. The AI component distinguishes routine activities from potential emergencies, generating immediate alerts when high-risk events occur. In care centres, notifications are sent to staff or operators, while in private homes alerts are directed to designated family members or security personnel, creating a layered safety network.

The pilot reflects a shift toward ambient assisted living, where digital systems operate discreetly to support independence and safety. Unlike traditional alarm buttons that require active user input, the AI-enabled devices function proactively, identifying risks even when individuals are unable to call for help. Infrared sensing balances monitoring capabilities with privacy considerations, avoiding video recording while capturing detailed movement data. Data governance and consent mechanisms are integral to deployment.

The project is implemented under Selangor’s Care Economy Policy, which integrates innovation, technology, and data into long-term care systems. The pilot aligns with the policy’s focus on investment and collaboration, prioritising partnerships and technological solutions to strengthen eldercare provision.

Internationally, sensor-based monitoring and AI analytics have become common in countries with advanced population ageing, helping mitigate workforce shortages and prevent injuries among older adults. In Selangor, more than 8% of the population is aged 65 or above, meeting the threshold commonly used to define an ageing society. The government has positioned digital health and safety technologies as a strategic priority through 2030.

Beyond immediate safety, aggregated and anonymised data from the devices could inform care planning and policy development. Insights into movement patterns and risk factors may guide safer home design and targeted support services, reflecting Selangor’s broader move toward a data-driven eldercare ecosystem built on AI, sensors, and real-time monitoring technologies.

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