MELAKA: About 30,000 locals have received assistance under state welfare initiatives, reflecting the Melaka government’s push to strengthen social support amid Malaysia’s shift towards an ageing population, says Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh (pic).
The Chief Minister said the assistance – amounting to RM1.49mil up to the end of last month – forms part of the state government’s efforts to address demographic changes while ensuring the well-being of all segments of the community.
“Malaysia is expected to reach ageing nation status by 2030, with 15% of the population aged 60 and above.
“This shift requires early preparation and a more strategic policy approach,” he said at the launch of a carnival held in conjunction with the celebrations for Senior Citizens Day, Persons with Disabilities Day and Children’s Day at the Chief Minister Incorporation complex in Ayer Keroh here yesterday.
Ab Rauf said the state government continues to channel assistance to eligible groups through various forms of targeted support.
He said data from the Statistics Department showed that Melaka has 106,900 senior citizens.
Alor Gajah is listed among the country’s 10 newly ageing districts, where 7% of the residents are aged 65 and above.
“This figure clearly shows the importance of strengthening the senior citizen support ecosystem in the state.
“In line with this, we remain committed to supporting federal initiatives, including the development of Senior Citizens Activity Centres,” Ab Rauf said.
He also noted that as of November, 37,356 persons with disabilities had registered with the state Welfare Department, while RM300,000 had been allocated for the autism children development programme.
