Malaysia’s older population needs focused attention

THE world marked Human Rights Day last Wednesday, and in 2025 Malaysia can rightly be proud of its progress in safeguarding the rights of children, women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups – often in alignment with international legal instruments. These efforts reflect our nation’s commitment to justice, dignity, and compassion.

However, one rapidly growing group remains largely overlooked: our elderly citizens.

Malaysia is ageing at an unprecedented pace. By 2030, one in six Malaysians will be aged 60 or above. Yet despite this demographic shift, the specific rights and protections of older persons remain insufficiently addressed.

While existing laws – such as the Penal Code, Domestic Violence Act, Care Centres Act, and various social welfare provisions – apply broadly to all age groups, there is still no dedicated focus or legislation that centres on the unique needs and vulnerabilities of the elderly.

The reality on the ground is deeply concerning. We continue to see:

> Rising cases of homelessness among the elderly, particularly in urban areas.

> Older persons falling victim to scams, often losing lifelong savings.

> Increasing incidents of abuse, neglect, and abandonment of older people, sometimes by their own family members.

> Institutional gaps, with limited long-term care options and inadequate regulation of private care facilities.

> Escalating healthcare costs, limited geriatric services, and long waiting times for chronic care.

> Financial insecurity among retirees, especially those whose Employees’ Provident Fund savings are unable to sustain basic living needs.

These are not isolated incidents; they reflect a system struggling to keep pace with the realities of an ageing society.

Malaysia urgently needs stronger policies and, potentially, a dedicated law to protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of older persons. This should include clearer definitions of elder abuse, mandatory reporting mechanisms, strengthened social protection, better regulation of care homes, and comprehensive community-based support. Protecting our elderly is not merely a welfare consideration; it is fundamentally a human rights obligation.

At the international level, the global community must move without delay to initiate a formal multilateral process towards developing a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons, building on the groundwork laid by the UN Human Rights Council’s working group established in April 2025. Such a convention would provide clear, binding standards, just as existing conventions protect children and persons with disabilities. Malaysia should be prepared to support this effort, further reinforcing its standing as a nation committed to human rights.

The truth is simple: if we live long enough, each of us will join this vulnerable group. Advocating for the rights of the elderly is not merely about protecting “others” – it is about safeguarding our own future.

As we commemorate human rights this month, let us widen our understanding of who deserves protection. Children, women, migrants, and persons with disabilities rightly receive focused attention. It is now time for Malaysia’s older population to receive the same recognition, protection, and respect.

DR ZARIHAH ZAIN

Cheras, Selangor