SANDAKAN: The neglect of senior citizens among families and society in general has reached worrying proportions, said Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun.
She said the trend among children to send their parents and elders to old folks homes and getting others to look after them is becoming a challenge to the family institution.
“This trend will erode our traditional family values and it can be prevented by instilling stronger family spirit among the youth,” she said during the state Senior Citizens' Day celebration here yesterday.
Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and his wife Toh Puan Norlidah Datuk R.M. Jasni were the guests of honour at the event.
Azizah said the government has provided institutional care for neglected senior citizens at the Sri Pritchard Kinarut, Air Panas Tawau and Sri Harapan Sandakan old folks homes.
Underprivileged senior citizens were also given financial assistance, she added.
According to Sabah Social Welfare Services Department statistics, 39,946 individuals had received RM11.9mil since the start of the scheme, said Azizah.
She said citizens aged 60 and above have been exempted from outpatient charges in all government clinics and hospitals as announced in the 2012 Budget. - Bernama
