KUCHING: Stakeholders have been called to give their constructive feedback on the much anticipated Senior Citizens Bill in order to help refine the legislation, says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (pic).
The Women, Family and Community Development Minister said input from all parties would help ensure the Bill addresses the needs of senior citizens comprehensively while taking into account the views of various stakeholders.
“Do not simply oppose it without telling us what you want. That is what we want to hear so that we can assess whether the suggestions are reasonable or not.
“There is no timeline for the public consultation to close.
“What is important is that the states agree, and if they feel there are still shortcomings, we welcome any feedback,” she told Bernama at the ISM@Komuniti: Healthy Ageing, Prosperous Community programme at the Kampung Telaga Air Community Hall here yesterday.
Malaysia is projected to become an aged society by 2048, when the number of people aged 65 and above will exceed 14%.
Nancy said the ongoing consultation and engagement sessions involve all states, non-governmental organisations and private institutions providing elderly care services.
She said the Bill is intended to strengthen the protection, welfare and rights of senior citizens in line with the country’s ageing population, while ensuring their care receives due attention from all parties.
The draft Bill will be submitted to the Cabinet before being referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers, with plans to table it in the Dewan Rakyat between September and December this year.
Falling fertility rates, smaller households and rising female labour force participation continue to drive the demand for long-term care and community-based caregiving services.
Policymakers, health experts and advocacy groups have argued that existing laws do not adequately protect older persons from neglect, abuse, financial insecurity and barriers to healthcare and social services.
