Latest news with #SeniorCitizensBill
New Straits Times
30-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Senior Citizens Bill must be prioritised, says coalition on ageing
KUALA LUMPUR: The Senior Citizens Bill, which has long been overdue, must be given priority and tabled for debate as soon as possible, said the Malaysian Coalition on Ageing. Coalition chairman Cheah Tuck Wing said while existing laws protect women and children, there is still no specific legislation aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of senior citizens. "The population of people aged 65 and above is rapidly rising, expected to reach 15 per cent by 2040. This means our country will become an aged nation, yet many measures, including legislation to protect them, are still not in place," he said when contacted today. He added the coalition fully supported the Malaysian Bar's call for the government to immediately table the bill to protect Malaysia's ageing population. He added government hospitals have reported many cases where families admit their elderly relatives and then disappear. Hospital Kuala Lumpur, for example, recorded 358 abandonment cases in 2023 and 166 cases up until May last year, he said. "Hence, the proposed bill, which includes legal action against adult children who neglect their parents, is essential in restoring a sense of filial responsibility. The bill must be comprehensive, with care-centric supporting programmes to address the real-life challenges faced by caregivers," he said. He added financial hardship and the strain of 24-hour caregiving often lead to family conflicts, which could be a driving factor behind many abandonment cases. As such, he said the government must implement care centric supporting services to alleviate the hardship faced by filial caregivers. "Firstly, special financial support must be given to caregivers from B40 families and retirees in the M40 group who are taking care of them elderly parents with moderate to severe health problems. "Second, public healthcare and trained manpower. Specialists in geriatric medicine, rehabilitation facilities and welfare programmes for elderly must be upgraded. Currently, we only have 67 geriatric specialists in hospitals and private practice and the ratio is one doctor to 40,000 individuals above 65 years old. "Thirdly, there must be close collaboration between the government and non-governmental organisations in the community to provide support for family members with elderly care responsibilities. "Community based services could focus on providing help and support to caregivers either through daycare centers or home visits by nurse and health aides." Cheah said the successful Senior Citizens Activity Centres, established by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry in partnership with other government agencies and the non-governmental organisations, should serve as a model for developing community-based care institutions in selected districts. One such area is Lubok Antu in Sarawak, which has the highest percentage of citizens aged 65 and above in Malaysia. "It is imperative that the government implement strategies to address the problem of elderly abandonment, especially given the limited number of beds available at the 10 federally funded old folks' homes and two homes for the chronically ill in Peninsular Malaysia, as well as the five state-funded old folks' homes in the Borneo states," he added. Earlier today, the Malaysian Bar called on the government to urgently table the bill to safeguard the country's ageing population.
New Straits Times
30-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Senior Citizens Bill delayed: Engagements still ongoing, says Nancy Shukri
KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed legislation aimed at enhancing protections for senior citizens is unlikely to be tabled during the upcoming parliamentary sitting, says Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. She said engagement sessions were still ongoing to ensure that the proposed Senior Citizens Bill effectively addressed the real and varied needs of Malaysia's ageing population, ensuring no one is left behind. "We take note of the Malaysian Bar's statement and appreciate their commitment to the welfare of senior citizens. "The ministry continues to engage with stakeholders — including non-governmental organisations, academics and relevant agencies — through a dedicated special projects team to determine the most effective approach in supporting our ageing population. "As these engagements are still ongoing, it is unlikely the bill will be tabled in the forthcoming session. "Our priority remains ensuring that any proposals are practical, inclusive and genuinely reflective of the needs of our senior citizens," she told the New Straits Times. Earlier today, the Malaysian Bar called on the government to urgently table the bill to safeguard the country's ageing population. Its president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab said such legislation must be truly effective and tackle the root causes of neglect, abuse, and systemic marginalisation experienced by older Malaysians. Echoing the call was Senior Citizens Advisory Council member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. "As Malaysia transitions into an ageing nation — with projections indicating that by 2030, 15 per cent of the population will be aged 60 and above — there is an urgent need to institutionalise the rights, protections and welfare of senior citizens through a dedicated Senior Citizens Bill. "This long-overdue legislation is both timely and necessary to ensure that the elderly are treated with dignity, respect and fairness in all aspects of society. "A key focus of the bill should be to establish a robust legal framework for reporting and addressing cases of elder abuse, neglect and discrimination, thereby ensuring that vulnerable seniors receive the protection they rightly deserve," he said.
New Straits Times
30-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Bar wants Senior Citizens Bill immediately to protect Malaysia's ageing population
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Bar wants the government to immediately table a Senior Citizens Bill to protect Malaysia's ageing population. Its president, Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab, said such a bill must be truly effective and must tackle the root causes of neglect, abuse, and systemic marginalisation faced by our ageing population. "The Malaysian Bar stands ready to contribute its legal expertise and insights to ensure that this legislation is effectively and efficiently enacted, for the benefit of all Malaysians," he said in a statement. Ezri said Malaysia was at a critical juncture in its demographic shift towards an ageing population. He cited Malaysian Statistics Department (DOSM) projections that the percentage of citizens aged 65 and above will rise from 8.1 per cent in 2024 to 14.5 per cent by 2040, saying this would place unprecedented demands on the nation's care system. "This demographic transformation presents Malaysia with an urgent and important opportunity to establish a holistic and comprehensive legal and policy framework that will guarantee the protection, welfare and dignity of our senior citizens for generations to come. "The current retirement financial preparedness of Malaysians presents significant challenges that require the immediate attention of our legislative and policy makers. "According to the Employees Provident Fund, 58 per cent of its 54-year-old members have less than RM100,000 in their savings — below the RM240,000 needed to sustain a modest monthly income of RM1,000 for 20 years, post retirement. "This financial gap, combined with rising caregiving costs, underscores the importance of establishing robust legal protection and support systems to ensure elderly Malaysians can age with dignity, security, and quality of life. "We thus welcome and applaud the government's efforts to look into increasing the retirement age from 60 to 65, allowing senior individuals who are keen and capable to continue their valuable contributions to the workforce. "The Malaysian Bar recognises the significant effort and work undertaken by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry in developing the Senior Citizens Bill, as announced in mid-2024. "We understand that comprehensive legislation requires careful consideration and thorough preparation. "Therefore, we commend (the ministry's) reported progress on the Senior Citizens Bill, aimed at enhancing protection for Malaysia's ageing population, and we hope that our following analysis will be considered in the final draft of the bill." Ezri said the Malaysian Bar wants the government to incorporate a holistic, rights-based framework within the final draft of the Senior Citizens Bill, ensuring proactive and legally enforceable protection through several core provisions. The first, he said, was through codified rights and protections which are enforceable by law. These would guarantee senior citizens to healthcare, shelter, safety, financial protection and dignity, aligning with the United Nations Principles for Older Persons. Ezri said the bill must also include robust legal mechanisms to address emotional, physical and financial elder abuse, adding that proper support for victims and rehabilitative options for families must also be incorporated into the framework. Thirdly, he said, there must be oversight through a statutory council, suggesting that a National Commission for Senior Citizens be set up to oversee the implementation of the bill and ensure compliance with other relevant laws or policies. Ezri said there must also be comprehensive community and care support, adding that senior citizens should also be provided with dedicated legal aid for wills, disputes, and protection from exploitation, alongside fair pensions and financial assistance to secure their welfare. He said the Bar also recommended mandatory regulation of elderly care homes, meaning they would have to be licensed, audited and held accountable for the treatment and welfare of their residents. "Malaysia currently has 393 registered elderly care centres and 26 nursing homes, with estimates indicating over 700 unregistered facilities. "Regulation and licensing are crucial to ensuring the safety and dignity of seniors residing in these institutions," he said. Finally, Ezri said the bill must address the challenges of isolation, depression, and dementia through accessible mental health services and community engagement programmes. "Malaysia has an excellent opportunity to leverage gerontechnology — technology specifically designed for senior citizens — to enhance independent living, improve mental health, and support families with caregiving responsibilities. "We can learn from the successful implementation of elderly care in Singapore and Japan, and harness the opportunity to develop innovative and creative solutions, such as wearable health devices, telehealth services, and smart home systems. "The Malaysian Bar reiterates that the rights and welfare of senior citizens must be safeguarded through legislation informed by international best practices. "Jurisdictions such as Canada and South Korea have demonstrated that a statutory framework for senior citizens' welfare can be transformative, not just in providing protection for the elderly, but also in fostering dignity and inclusion." Canada, said Ezri, provides comprehensive support for its senior population, offering income security programmes, initiatives designed to keep seniors active. Meanwhile, he said South Korea established an all-inclusive Long-Term Care Insurance system designed to ensure the well-being of older people experiencing physical limitations or geriatric conditions, simultaneously alleviating the burden borne by their families.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Govt upbeat about making Senior Citizens Bill a reality
PETALING JAYA: The government is making steady progress towards introducing a Senior Citizens Bill aimed at enhancing protection for Malaysia's ageing population, said Women, Family and Community Development Ministry deputy secretary-general (strategic) Mohd Daud Mohd Arif. 'I don't want to overpromise on the Bill, but the outlook is promising,' he said. 'The minister (Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri) is optimistic about it, and substantial discussions and research have already been carried out. 'We just need a bit more time to evaluate the findings before moving forward with concrete solutions,' he said at the Living Your Golden Years: Reaching Out, Touching Lives Conference and Exhibition 2025. The event was held on Saturday at Tun Tan Cheng Lock College, Assunta Hospital in Petaling Jaya. Mohd Daud said the ministry is reviewing the National Policy for Older Persons, first introduced in 2011, with the goal of strengthening strategies related to ageing. 'New strategies under consideration include raising awareness about ageing, promoting the rights of older persons and reminding families of their responsibilities. 'An integrated, institutionalised long-term care system is critical,' he added. He also said the Economy Ministry is leading inter-ministerial coordination – including with the Health, Education, and Women, Family and Community Development ministries – through the National Ageing Agenda. 'The agenda aims to support medium and long-term socioeconomic development for elderly care. It will address key areas such as education, financial planning, labour productivity and technology adoption.' With Malaysians aged 60 and above expected to comprise 15% of the population by 2030, Mohd Daud underscored the urgency of a comprehensive, forward-looking approach. He identified several key priorities – ensuring access to healthcare, protecting seniors from scams, enhancing financial security and fostering social inclusion. 'It is essential that older adults have access to tailored services, including home-based and palliative care. We must also strengthen retirement schemes and promote lifelong financial literacy.' Echoing these concerns, Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye called for the urgent enactment of a Senior Citizens Bill. 'Today's seniors were yesterday's teachers, farmers, factory workers and parents who helped build this nation. They deserve dignity, care and recognition. Are we truly doing enough for them? 'We need a dedicated legislative framework to protect their rights and promote their well-being,' he said. He stressed that such legislation should not only safeguard economic security – through improved retirement schemes and inclusive employment – but also promote community engagement through lifelong learning and social programmes. Lee also proposed the formation of a Senior Citizens Commission to oversee policy implementation and ensure government accountability. Meanwhile, Third Age Media Association founding president Cheah Tuck Wing cautioned that legislation alone is insufficient without a robust care infrastructure. 'Legal provisions by themselves cannot resolve the socio-economic pressures faced by caregiving families,' he said. 'Malaysia's high age dependency ratio means many families are balancing both eldercare and childcare, often leading to carer fatigue. This strain can result in elder neglect or abandonment – not from malice, but from sheer exhaustion.' Cheah urged the government to introduce targeted financial support for caregiving households, increase training of geriatric specialists and strengthen partnerships with NGOs to develop community-based eldercare services. In December, Nancy said the ministry was evaluating the feasibility of enacting legislation to safeguard welfare of the elderly. She emphasised the importance of building consensus before moving forward. 'We must ask whether strengthening family values and promoting a sense of responsibility within the household can help reinforce the family unit – perhaps reducing the reliance on legal enforcement,' she said.
Daily Express
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Bill to help senior citizens is long overdue
Published on: Sunday, May 18, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 18, 2025 Text Size: AS Malaysia transitions into an ageing nation — with projections indicating that by 2030, 15 per cent of the population will be aged 60 and above — there is an urgent need to institutionalise the rights, protections, and welfare of senior citizens through a dedicated Senior Citizens Bill. Such legislation is not only timely but necessary to ensure that the elderly population is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness across all facets of society. Advertisement Cogent reasons for a Senior Citizens Bill: 1. Demographic Shift: With increasing life expectancy and a declining birth rate, Malaysia's age profile is rapidly shifting. This demographic transition requires comprehensive legal frameworks to address the social, economic, and healthcare needs of an ageing population. 2. Protection of Rights and Dignity: Many senior citizens face neglect, abandonment, abuse, or exploitation, especially those who are financially dependent or living alone. A bill would enshrine their basic rights and offer legal remedies and protective mechanisms. 3. Healthcare and Social Support: Ageing often comes with health challenges. A Senior Citizens Bill could mandate accessible, affordable, and age-friendly healthcare services, alongside social support systems such as assisted living, day care, and home visits. Advertisement 4. Economic Security: Many elderly Malaysians lack adequate retirement savings. The bill could mandate minimum standards for pensions, social protection, and employment opportunities for those still able and willing to work. 5. Recognition and Inclusion: Senior citizens are a vital part of our national fabric, with decades of experience and contribution. A legal framework can ensure their continued participation in community and national development, and safeguard against ageism and discrimination. 6. Policy Integration and Enforcement: While various policies and programmes for the elderly exist, they are scattered and lack coherence. A dedicated law would consolidate and harmonise these efforts under a structured and enforceable legal umbrella. The primary objectives of the Senior Citizens Bill include: • To recognise and safeguard the rights of senior citizens in Malaysia; • To promote the well-being, safety, and quality of life of the elderly through structured healthcare, social support, and legal protections; • To provide a legal mechanism for reporting and acting against elder abuse, neglect, and discrimination; • To ensure economic security through improved retirement schemes, social pensions, and inclusive employment opportunities; • To facilitate inclusive participation of senior citizens in society through community programmes, lifelong learning, and age-friendly public services. • To mandate government accountability, including the establishment of a Senior Citizens Commission or similar body to oversee implementation and enforcement. In conclusion, the time has come for Malaysia to take a bold step forward by introducing a Senior Citizens Bill in Parliament. Such a move will send a strong message that the nation stands in solidarity with its elderly population — honouring their past contributions and securing their future with dignity and care. Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye Member Senior Citizen Advisory Council The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
