A parliamentary committee calls for expedited drafting of a senior citizens bill and a white paper to address Malaysia’s ageing population needs.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Negara’s Special Select Committee on Social and Community Affairs has urged the government to speed up the drafting of a Senior Citizens Bill.
Committee chairman Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli said the bill is crucial to protect fundamental rights and ensure dignified living for the elderly.
He said the committee presented its statement on senior citizen care and welfare, along with ministry responses, during yesterday’s senate sitting.
“The recommendations focus on improvements and actions that the government can implement,” he told a press conference in Parliament.
He stated the proposals aim to keep elderly care a priority and guarantee a quality social life for senior citizens.
The committee also recommended expediting a white paper on ageing for tabling in both houses of Parliament.
Mohd Hatta said this paper would be a key reference for preparing Malaysia for an ageing population.
He further proposed recognising elderly care as a new economic industry generating income and jobs.
This sector should not be viewed solely as a welfare service, he added.
Another key recommendation was introducing a flexible retirement policy.
This would allow healthy, capable seniors to continue working on a contract or part-time basis.
Relevant ministries and agencies have six months to review and provide feedback on the proposals.
