KUALA LUMPUR: The government should fast-track the tabling of the proposed Senior Citizens Bill, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic).
The senior citizen welfare advocate described the move as a “national imperative” as Malaysia moves towards an ageing society.
"Findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2025 highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive legal framework to address the growing challenges faced by older persons.
"Malaysia is rapidly transitioning into an ageing nation. This is no longer a future concern; it is a present reality that demands urgent and decisive action," he said when contacted on Wednesday (April 22).
Lee noted that the survey underscored increasing healthcare needs, rising dependency, social isolation and vulnerability to abuse among the elderly. He stressed that the proposed legislation must go beyond welfare assistance and instead empower senior citizens to remain active members of society.
“The Bill is crucial to ensure that older persons are able to age with dignity, respect and security,” he said.
Lee also called for stronger legal safeguards to protect senior citizens from neglect, abuse and exploitation. He noted that such issues are often underreported but deeply concerning.
"A robust legal framework will ensure accountability and provide avenues for redress for victims," he added.
On healthcare, Lee said the Bill should improve access to medical services, long-term care and social support systems. He further highlighted the need to address financial insecurity among older Malaysians, many of whom face inadequate savings.
“Policies that support financial stability and opportunities for continued participation in the workforce, where appropriate, must be considered,” he said.
Lee emphasised that the success of the Bill would depend on a whole-of-government approach involving multiple ministries. He urged the government to prioritise the drafting and tabling of the Bill in Parliament.
“Let us act now, before the challenges of ageing become a crisis we are unprepared to face,” he said.
