PETALING JAYA: The plan to table a Senior Citizens Bill in Parliament is timely and crucial as Malaysia moves towards becoming an ageing nation, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said the proposed legislation would provide a more comprehensive legal and policy framework to safeguard the rights and welfare of senior citizens.
"The number of senior citizens in the country is increasing rapidly, and with longer life expectancy comes greater responsibility to ensure that our elderly population is protected, respected and able to live with dignity, security and proper care," he said in a statement on Friday (May 22).
He said senior citizens today face various challenges, including neglect, abandonment, financial insecurity, loneliness, poor healthcare access, abuse and social isolation.
"Some elderly individuals are left without proper family support, while others struggle to meet their daily needs due to rising living costs and inadequate protection systems," he said.
Lee added that the proposed law should address key areas such as healthcare access, social protection, elder abuse prevention, mental health support, affordable housing, accessible public facilities, employment opportunities for active seniors, and long-term care services.
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"It should also strengthen mechanisms to protect elderly persons from physical, emotional and financial abuse.
"Equally important is the need to recognise senior citizens not as a burden to society but as valuable members of the nation who have contributed significantly to the country’s development.
"Their wisdom, experience and sacrifices deserve appreciation, protection and respect," he said.
He added that the Bill should also encourage stronger family and community responsibility towards caring for the elderly while promoting active ageing and greater participation of senior citizens in society.
"Malaysia must prepare itself comprehensively for the demographic changes ahead to avoid facing a major social and healthcare crisis in the future.
"At the same time, consultations with all stakeholders are extremely important to ensure that the proposed law is practical, inclusive, compassionate and capable of addressing the real needs faced by senior citizens across different backgrounds and communities," he said.
He also hoped that the government would ensure the final legislation is not just symbolic but truly effective in improving the quality of life, dignity, independence and well-being of senior citizens.
"A caring nation is ultimately judged by how it treats its elderly population. Protecting the dignity and welfare of senior citizens must therefore remain a national priority," he added.
On Thursday (May 21), it was reported that the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is pushing to present Bill at the next Parliament meeting.
Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said Malaysia urgently needs the Bill, but it has been delayed as stakeholders insist that their views be heard.
She added that the ministry is all set to present it in Parliament within six months.
