Lam Thye urges govt to form council to address ageing population issue

Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. - Filepic/The Star

PETALING JAYA: A council to specifically address issues affecting the elderly should be formed, says the Alliance for Safe Community.

Its chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye proposed a council called National Social Security Council (NSSC) to address the ageing population of the country.

“It is timely to establish such a body to conduct a rapid needs assessment to launch an action plan for successful ageing.

“The council could introduce several initiatives including reviewing the mandatory retirement age, and if feasible, increase it from 60 to 65,” he said.

Lee added that incentives to hire and retain senior citizens could also be introduced to employers so the elderly could become productive members of society.

“Moreover, I also propose to incentivise and encourage caregivers so more of them can offer their services to those in need.

“It is clear that early action yields the greatest benefits. The earlier we prepare, the better,” he said in a statement on Monday (Oct 4).

Lee added that Malaysia could take a cue from Japan which has extensive experience when it comes to managing ageing population.

According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the country will reach ageing status by 2030, where an estimated 15% of Malaysians will be over 60 years of age.

Lee said there was much that non-governmental organisations and the community could do too.

“They can help the elderly maintain a healthy lifestyle by providing facilities for exercise and non-competitive activities.

“At such events, the elderly will also be able to make new friends who can add to their feeling of self-worth,” he said.