KUALA LUMPUR: A new law aimed at ensuring children care for their elderly parents is expected to be brought before the Cabinet within six months, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid said the proposal has been relayed to Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri and her team.
“References can be taken from other countries that have implemented it. I have given the team six months to present it to the Cabinet.
“However, I am confident that they can do it faster,” he said when launching the Social Policy Action Plan 2026-2030 yesterday.
The Deputy Prime Minister confirmed that the proposal was separate legislation from the Senior Citizens Bill.
He said the focus on the new legislation would be towards ensuring children uphold their social responsibility towards elderly parents.
“As we move towards becoming a developed nation, we do not want negligence of a child’s social responsibility to their parents.
“Our values must not fade.
“Regardless of all races or religions, there is always the focus on caring for parents.”
Ahmad Zahid also said these values must be strengthened as cases of negligence towards elderly parents are becoming more apparent.
“Leaving them in care homes, without even paying them a visit, is an act of neglecting their responsibilities.
“We must learn from countries that have already implemented similar legislation,” he added.
Malaysia is projected to become an aged society by 2048, when the proportion of its population aged 65 and above will exceed 14%.
In response to this, there have also been plans to expedite the much-anticipated Senior Citizens Bill, with warnings also issued over how the speed of ageing could outpace the country’s preparedness.
Lawmakers have also proposed the establishment of a dedicated ministry to oversee senior citizens and address challenges they face.
