Latest news with #ArmilaAlias
The Star
23-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Ageing population and its burdens on women among key issues at Wanita PKR congress
JOHOR BARU: The ageing population and its effect on women were among the key issues raised at the Wanita PKR Congress held here. Of the 14 delegates who debated at the congress held in Danga Bay Convention Centre on Friday (May 23), 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?" she 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 the caregiving responsibilities for the elderly. "Statistically, the majority of caregivers for ageing parents are women. They are the daughters, daughters-in-law, and even granddaughters. "However, caregiving requires physical, mental and financial support. I hope basic elderly care training can be systematically provided at the community level. "I also hope PKR Wanita can organise dual-parenting modules, and not just on raising children but also on caring for elderly parents," she said. Echoing a similar concern was Selangor PKR Wanita chief Pua Pei Ling, who pointed out that the burden of caregiving, especially for ailing parents, falls largely 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. Other key issues discussed during the congress included climate change, the development of artificial intelligence, and the role of women in elections.
Barnama
23-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Preparing Malaysia Towards An Aged Nation By 2030 Among Issues Debated By PKR Wanita Delegates
JOHOR BAHRU, May 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's preparation towards an aged nation by 2030 was among the issues raised by several representatives of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Wanita wing at the debate session on the policy speech of Wanita chief at the 18th PKR Wanita National Congress, today. Terengganu PKR Wanita chief Armila Alias, when raising the matter, said basic care training for the elderly should be provided systematically at the community level from the health department, the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). "PKR Wanita can organise a two-way parenting module, which is not only caring for children but also caring for elderly parents, in line with our culture, which is based on family values," she said. Armila also emphasised that the health care and emotional wellbeing of the elderly desperately need access to quality healthcare, including rural hospitals and clinics, which need to be equipped with special elderly care units. In addition, she said community programmes such as light exercise for the elderly, mind therapy and spiritual halaqah (gathering) must be strengthened with the cooperation of mosques, Senior Citizens Activity Centres (PAWE) and women's NGOs. In terms of women's economy and retirement, Armila proposed that PKR Wanita create a Women's Community Fund as a micro-savings and support scheme during old age, starting from the age of 40, in collaboration with relevant agencies. Selangor representative Pua Pei Ling, the Bukit Lanjan State Assemblyman (ADUN), also agreed that the issue of caring for the elderly should be a priority in moving towards an ageing nation. She said that so far, more than 400,000 Selangor residents have entered the elderly phase, and among the things that the state has implemented to prepare for an ageing nation is the launch of the Selangor Care Economy Policy 2024-2030, or Care Economy Policy. Meanwhile, Sarawak representative Rebecca Beka anak Bana raised the issue of climate change, which she said affects the daily lives, economy and safety of many people.
