10 hours ago
Wanita MCA: 'It's time to stop turning a blind eye—our elderly deserve dignity, community care too'
WANITA MCA has expressed concern over the recent string of tragic cases involving elderly or single Malaysians dying alone at home, undiscovered for days, even weeks.
Calling this a wake-up call the country cannot afford to ignore, its national deputy chairperson Tee Hooi Ling said these are not isolated incidents but painful symptoms of a growing crisis in the society—the silent suffering of elderly individuals especially those living alone who have been forgotten by a system that has failed to protect them.
'As someone who has worked closely with communities and families, these stories not only heartbreaking but deeply disturbing,' she said.
'An elderly couple found lifeless in their home, days after passing. A retired educator, dead for over a month before neighbours noticed something was wrong.
'This should not be happening in a society which traditionally practises filial piety and in particular, respect for elders.'
According to Tee, these tragedies expose three serious flaws in the nation's current system, namely the lack of structured support or emergency communication for seniors living alone; a growing disconnect between neighbours which leads to the breakdown of community networks; and gaping holes in the government's welfare policies and long-term care planning for the ageing population.
Calling for the government to stop treating the elderly as an afterthought, she further urged Putrajaya to act without delay and execute 'real, implementable solutions':
Introduce a 'Community Elder Watch' programme– Local authorities and civil society must work together to create a registry of elderly residents, with regular check-ins by volunteers and neighbours to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Leverage technology to save lives– Equip homes with simple health-monitoring devices or emergency alert systems. If cost is a barrier, the government must step in with subsidies. Establish 'Neighbourhood Care Points'– Set up contact stations in residential areas run by local committees or volunteers, who proactively keep in touch with elderly residents. Rebuild a culture of care– Launch awareness campaigns in schools, the media, and communities to strengthen neighbourly ties and restore our sense of shared responsibility.
'Our elders are not burdens—they are the very pillars of our families, our communities, and our nation's history,' Tee noted.
'No one should spend their final days in isolation, forgotten and alone. Wanita MCA will push forward our 'Caring for the Elderly' initiative, but we cannot do this alone.
'We urge all Malaysians: Let's come together and request demand better from our government. Together, let's ensure that every elderly person in this country is treated with the dignity, respect, and compassion they deserve.' ‒ June 18, 2025
Main image: UNFPA
