SEREMBAN: The government on Sunday (Oct 5) launched the 2026-2030 Senior Citizens Action Plan (PTWEN) to strengthen the well-being, welfare and needs of the elderly population as part of preparations for Malaysia's transition into an ageing nation.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said several strategies had been enhanced under the plan, including expanding programmes to raise awareness among individuals, families and communities about senior citizens and ageing issues.
She said the plan also aimed to improve the governance of integrated long-term care and strengthen social assistance schemes for the elderly.
"The policy and the PTWEN 2010-2020 were approved on Jan 5, 2011. It was a continuation of the National Senior Citizens Policy, developed and aligned with international documents and national policies.
"The existing plan expired in 2020. Therefore, in line with current and future needs, a new PTWEN was developed in accordance with the National Ageing Framework and preparations for the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP)," she said.
Nancy said this when officiating the launch of the plan during the closing ceremony of the national-level 2025 Senior Citizens Day celebration, which was also attended by her deputy, Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad and Social Welfare Department director-general Datuk Che Murad Sayang Ramjan here on Sunday night.
Meanwhile, Nancy said the celebration, themed "Senior Citizens: The Face of Our Future," served as a reminder that senior citizens should not only be remembered for their past contributions but also respected for their roles today and their inspiration to future generations.
She also said senior citizens should not be seen as a burden but as valuable national assets, the bearers of wisdom, connectors between generations and role models to be admired.
"They play an important role in both national and global agendas, acting as mentors and guides to the younger generation, as well as connectors of family and culture, and advocates for social well-being and sustainability," she said adding that over the past five decades, Malaysians' life expectancy had increased from 63 years to 76 years, reflecting the nation's collective efforts to improve health and wellbeing. - Bernama
