Latest news with #AgeingNationAgenda
The Star
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
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.
New Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
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.
