With the elderly population set to double, Putrajaya is urged to adopt Japan-style monitoring and pass long-delayed senior protection laws
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia must urgently learn from countries that are experiencing with the realities of a rapidly ageing society, says an ageing studies expert, warning that the nation is running out of time to protect its seniors.
The warning comes as the long-awaited Senior Citizen Bill remains without a firm timeline, even as Malaysia is projected to become an aged nation by 2040.
Universiti Teknologi Mara senior lecturer Dr Nur Amalina Aziz said the country still lacks the systems and safeguards needed to support a fast-growing elderly population.
She pointed to Japan – one of the world’s oldest societies – as a cautionary example.
“About 30% of Japan’s population is aged 65 and above, and more than 60% of older adults live alone. In Japan, many elderly individuals living alone have been found dead at home without anyone realising it for days.”
To prevent such tragedies, Japan introduced the Zero Isolation Project in 2013, identifying older persons living alone without life insurance and providing them with volunteer support.
It also operates “watchover services” that monitor seniors’ wellbeing and send regular updates to family members.
“These are proven systems that Malaysia can adopt. Japan’s experience shows how effective community-based monitoring can prevent isolation and save lives,” she said.
On the potential of a silver alert system, Nur Amalina said it could be transformative, but only if supported by a robust community network.
“An effective silver alert must track an older person’s location and immediately notify family members, neighbours and the community when a senior wanders off, goes missing or faces danger.
“Features such as SOS emergency buttons, fall-detection sensors and routine-activity monitoring could greatly improve safety, particularly for seniors living alone. But technology alone is not enough.
“Trained volunteers must be ready to respond when alerts are triggered. Communities need coordination committees involving NGOs, local leaders, volunteers and authorities to ensure fast, organised responses. Maintaining regularly updated registries of seniors living alone would further reduce the risk of delayed interventions or missing-person cases,” she said.
Despite the potential of such systems, Malaysia still faces deep structural challenges.
Nur Amalina said the country lacks adequate long-term care services, government healthcare facilities are overstretched and there is severe shortage of both formal and informal caregivers.
She said long-term care is expensive, adding further strain.
“Basic services can cost around RM1,000 a month, while professional care can reach RM5,000 – far beyond what most middle or lower-income households can afford.”
Even so, she said the silver alert initiative aligns with national goals under the 13th Malaysia Plan, which prioritises long-term care sustainability and seniors’ wellbeing.
“Malaysia must introduce specific legislation for older persons without delay to ensure proper protection and address existing gaps. Families must take filial responsibility seriously and those who neglect or abandon elderly parents should be held accountable.”
The government, she added, must expand support for caregivers, including assistance for medical needs, adult diapers, nutritious food and other essential supplies.
“Strengthening community vigilance is equally crucial to prevent neglect, isolation and safety risks among older Malaysians.”
Nur Amalina said despite the challenges, there are signs of progress.
In June, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the Senior Citizen Bill may be tabled next year, while the 2026–2030 Senior Citizens Action Plan, launched in October, seeks to bolster protection and welfare programmes for Malaysia’s ageing population.
Nur Amalina stressed that these initiatives must be accompanied by concrete action on the ground.
“Legislation and plans are important, but without proper implementation, community engagement, and support for caregivers, our seniors will remain vulnerable.
“With Malaysia’s elderly population set to nearly double in the next two decades, urgent reforms are needed – not just to protect older Malaysians, but to ensure they can live safely, independently and with dignity,” she said.
