Implement blueprint that supports ageing population, says Dr Wee in Dewan Rakyat

KUALA LUMPUR: The Economy Ministry should implement an effective blueprint that addresses the issues Malaysia will face as an ageing population by 2030, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

Dr Wee (BN-Ayer Hitam) said the government should have a specific health and economic policy to assist the elderly as 15% of the population will be over the age of 60 by 2030.

“What are the specific policies by the Economy Ministry to ensure that the welfare of the elderly is taken care of," said Dr Wee.

He then asked if the policy will extend the age of retirement as the elderly will need to work to support themselves and whether healthcare for those above 75 will be part of it.

“We need a policy that is comprehensive to assist them,” he said in his supplementary question in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (June 8).

Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib was replying to a question on the government’s long-term plans to prepare Malaysia as an aging nation by 2030 during the Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat.

Hanifah told Dr Wee that the government will present his suggestions in the government’s National Ageing Blueprint.

“The elderly are our family and they would need such assistance so I will present your recommendations to the strategic plan,” she said.

Hanifah earlier told the House that the government with the cooperation of the World Bank is drafting the National Ageing Blueprint which is expected to be completed by 2024.

She said the blueprint will assist the government in addressing impacts of an ageing nation to the economy, workforce productivity, social welfare and health of the elderly.