PKR Women urged to focus on Ageing Nation Agenda
JOHOR BARU: The PKR Women's wing has been urged to prioritise preparations, policy development, and legislation related to the Ageing Nation Agenda.
Women's chief Fadhlina Sidek said the move is crucial as Malaysia is expected to reach an aged nation status by 2030.
In line with this, she said the PKR Women's wing must pay close attention to the Social Work Profession Bill, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament this July.
"I raise this issue of the Ageing Nation Agenda because PKR Women is no longer just an ordinary wing — we are now part of the government.
"As such, preparations, policies, and legislative matters at the government level must be closely followed by the PKR Women's wing.
"By 2030, Malaysia is set to become an aged nation, and we must also be prepared, as many PKR Women members themselves will be reaching that age group.
"As a party, PKR cannot be disconnected from national policies and initiatives, especially now that we are in government. Supporting all segments of society is a core aspiration of the party," she said.
She was speaking at a press conference after delivering her keynote address at the 2025 PKR Women's National Congress, held here today.
Also present were PKR Women's deputy chief Juwariya Zulkifli and Johor Pakatan Harapan (PH) Women's deputy chief Gan Peck Cheng.
In November, Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli said that the Ageing Nation Agenda would be one of the government's key focus areas under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
He had said that the government had identified many legal reforms needed to develop a proper caregiving industry through the White Paper on the Ageing Nation Agenda.
On Jan 23, Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the Social Work Profession Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament this July, following extensive discussions and improvements.
Nancy noted that the scope of social work is wide-ranging and involves multiple ministries and stakeholders.
Elaborating further, Fadhlina, who is also the member of Parliament for Nibong Tebal, said the elderly must be given special attention in policy and legislative planning to meet their evolving needs.
"These individuals are still highly active members of society. Many of them participate actively in the party and other community activities, so we must ensure that specific needs for this group are addressed as they age," she said.
She added that the PKR Women's wing must study the Social Work Profession Bill thoroughly and provide constructive input based on fieldwork and grassroots observations.
She also noted that the wing has previously offered critical feedback on the bill, recognising its importance.
"This bill will help produce better-trained, professional, and truly effective social workers to support the elderly, especially in terms of caregiver services," she said.
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