Wanita must lead in ageing nation policies, says Fadhlina
Official start: PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh (third from left) sounding the gong at the PKR National Congress in Johor Baru. Also present were Fadhlina (second from left) and Youth Chief Adam Adli Abdul Halim (left). — Bernama
JOHOR BARU: As the women's wing of a ruling party, Wanita PKR needs to beef up efforts to prepare Malaysia for an ageing population, says Fadhlina Sidek.
The party's Wanita chief said that these preparations encompassed policy development and legislation related to the Ageing Nation Agenda.
'This is crucial as Malaysia is expected to reach aged nation status by 2030. Wanita PKR is no longer just an ordinary wing, we are now part of the government.
'As such, preparations, including policies, and legislative matters at the government level must be closely followed by the the wing.'
She said this in a press conference during the Wanita PKR congress at the Danga Bay Convention Centre here yesterday.
The ageing population and its effect on women were among the key issues raised during the congress.
Of the 14 delegates who debated at the congress, at least two highlighted the urgent need for the country to prepare for an ageing society.
Terengganu PKR Wanita chief Armila Alias questioned the country's readiness, pointing out that Malaysia has already crossed the threshold to be considered an ageing nation.
'The United Nations defines an ageing population as a country where 7% of its people are aged 65 and above.
'Malaysia reached 7.6% in 2024, and the figure is expected to rise to 15% by 2040, which would make us an aged nation.
'The question now is, are we ready?
'Are our policies, structures and societal culture equipped to handle this wave of ageing?' Armila said, adding that 9% of the population in Terengganu was already aged 60 and above in 2023.
She called for more efforts to empower women, who often shoulder care-giving responsibilities for the elderly.
Echoing a similar concern was Selangor Wanita PKR chief Pua Pei Ling, who noted that more than 8% of the population was aged 65 and above in 2024.
'I realise the burden of caregiving, especially for those with ailing parents, largely falls on women.
'We often hear complaints from young women who had to quit their jobs to care for elderly parents, or take on multiple jobs to cope.
'This is the reality for many women. Their biggest fear as they grow older is being neglected.
'If we don't build policies that protect women now, we are simply passing down these burdens to the next generation,' Pua said.
Other key issues discussed during the congress included climate change, the development of artificial intelligence, and the role of women in elections.
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