Govt boosts healthcare and social protection for ageing citizens
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is ramping up social protection and healthcare reforms under the National Senior Citizens Policy and Action Plan, which emphasises comprehensive healthcare, the development of elder-friendly communities and social protection measures, as the nation heads towards ageing status by 2030.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (pic) said the government has outlined the National Senior Citizens Policy and Action Plan as a commitment to balancing economic growth with social welfare, drawing on best practices from developed countries facing similar demographic shifts.
“Through the Malaysian Ageing Research Institute (MyAgeing), Malaysia is strengthening evidence-based initiatives to develop policies and programmes that support holistic elder well-being, aligned with sustainable development goals,” she said.
Speaking to Bernama during the National Older Persons Day 2025 celebration, themed “Warga Emas, Wajah Masa Depan Kita”, Nancy added that the government is leveraging international platforms to share experiences and develop innovations in healthcare technology, long-term care and community support programmes.
She said the Social Welfare Department, the main agency responsible for elder affairs, collaborates with the United Nations (UN), the World Health Organisation and Asean to ensure Malaysia’s elderly benefit from international best practices.
“As an active participant in international forums, Malaysia emphasises the value of integrated healthcare, the development of elder-friendly communities, and the enhancement of social protection policies,” she added.
Nancy noted Malaysia’s commitment at international forums such as the UN General Assembly and the UN Population Fund, marked by the national observance of the International Day of Older Persons every October.
She also highlighted Malaysia’s dedication to the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, focusing on increasing older persons’ participation in development, improving their health and well-being, and creating age-friendly environments.
Malaysia’s commitment under the UN Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on Ageing aims to enhance the protection of human rights for the elderly by addressing existing gaps and supporting the development of inclusive new legal frameworks, said Nancy.
She added that Malaysia consistently voiced its stance in the OEWG sessions and introduced the Ageing Nation Agenda, a comprehensive framework covering economic, health, education and well-being aspects.
“The government’s practical commitment includes a monthly cash aid of RM600 benefiting nearly 150,000 senior citizens nationwide,” she said.
As an Asean member, Malaysia plays a key role in advancing the 2019 Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Ageing: Empowering Older Persons in Asean.
This initiative promotes active and productive ageing within an inclusive environment, grounded in a shared sense of regional responsibility.
Nancy also noted Malaysia recently hosted the Asean+Republic of Korea Conference on Care and Support for Older Persons from June 30 to July 2, aimed at strengthening elder care systems in the region.
The conference emphasised the importance of regional cooperation for inclusive, sustainable policies that safeguard older persons’ rights and dignity, community care, intergenerational solidarity, and the use of technology and innovation.
