JOHOR BARU: Senior citizens want their voices heard as they are also affected by the rising cost of living and want more support for personal growth and digital adoption.
Johor Baru resident Khalid Abu Bakar, 64, hopes the state government will provide more financial assistance for senior citizens.
“Cash aid is always helpful, especially for retirees who no longer have a steady income.
“I also hope the government will allocate more funds to local communities and senior citizen centres so they can organise activities that are suitable for older people,” he said, adding that this will keep them active and improve their overall well-being.
Retiree K. Arumugan, 66, wants more support from the state government to help senior citizens adapt to digital technology.
“The world is going digital, and I do not mind adapting to it. But older people need more time to get used to new systems.
“When a new system is introduced, there should be a transition period instead of expecting everyone to adapt immediately.
“The government should also organise more classes or programmes to teach senior citizens how to use these technologies so that we are not left behind,” he said.
Johor Baru voter Esther Gan, 71, wants to see more community centres for senior citizens where they can take part in activities and socialise for free.
“I hope there will be community centres for the elderly to enjoy activities such as karaoke, exercise sessions and classes, including computer classes to help us keep up with technology.
“I also hope there will be more pedestrian-friendly areas and car-free zones where senior citizens can walk safely to maintain our health. At the moment, there are not many places like that,” Gan said.
Fritter seller Saadon Amin, 62, from Bekok, Segamat, hopes there would be no delays to the completion of the Paloh-Bekok road, as improving connectivity is his main concern for the area.
“At the moment, it takes about an hour to go to Paloh in Kluang, even though it is just the next town over. We have to travel about 80km using the current road.
“With the new road expected to be completed next year, the journey will only take about 15 minutes or less. It will save us time and petrol costs,” said the father of four.
Yong Peng resident Lim Mei Chee, 62, hopes to see more efforts to attract quality tourists into the area to create economic opportunities for the younger generation.
“Yong Peng has seen a lot of infrastructure improvements, including road upgrades and the introduction of Yong Peng Walk, which has become a popular spot for residents and visitors to take a stroll, take photos and enjoy local snacks.
“I hope to see more organised efforts to bring in tourists who will spend at least a night in Yong Peng.
“This will strengthen the tourism industry and create more job opportunities to ensure Yong Peng continues to grow while preserving our small-town identity.”
Meanwhile, 72-year-old RS Kasvan from Kluang said senior citizens are also affected by the rising cost of living.
“There should be systematic and consistent welfare assistance for seniors instead of one-off financial aid from the state and federal governments.
“I live alone after my children moved out of Kluang for work. They each have their own families and commitments, so I do not want to burden them,” said the retiree.
He added that the older generation have contributed to the country during their working years and it was time for the government to show some appreciation.
“They call us warga emas, but where is our value? I hope the government can come up with long-term plans to help us.”
