Experts urge long-term care solutions for Malaysia’s 4 million seniors as current cash aid reaches only 4% of elderly population
PETALING JAYA: For many of Malaysia’s nearly four million senior citizens, ageing with dignity remains a distant dream.
While the government provides some cash aid under the Bantuan Warga Emas programme, only a tiny fraction – about 4% – actually benefit, leaving most older Malaysians to rely on family support or public services.
Universiti Malaya Medical Centre professor in geriatrics and consultant geriatrician Prof Dr Tan Maw Pin warned that the problem goes far beyond numbers.
“Financial insecurity has direct consequences on both physical and mental health. Food insecurity leads to stress, poor nutrition and worsening chronic conditions.
“Older adults who must rely on their children for money lose autonomy, self-respect and independence,” she told theSun.
She said Budget 2026 allocates RM1.26 billion to the cash aid scheme, enough for roughly 18,000 seniors – a drop in the ocean for a population that already makes up about 10% of the country.
“Most older adults are retired with little or no income. Many either never had EPF savings or have exhausted them.
This amount is tiny – only 0.3% of the national budget,” Tan said.
Beyond finances, family structures and social expectations create additional strain. Many seniors live with adult children, but this does not guarantee proper care.
“Adult children often face severe financial, physical and emotional stress, while society and government stand by, ready to criticise but not assist.
Some older adults have no children, or their children are themselves elderly – these seniors are left extremely vulnerable.”
Tan urged Malaysia to adopt a broader, long-term approach to support.
“Cash injections are a short-term fix. Developed East Asian countries, including Japan, Taiwan, and Korea, use long-term care insurance rather than taxpayer-funded, needs-tested schemes.
“We need models covering healthcare, housing, and social inclusion that are feasible for low- and middle-income countries. Without them, financial support alone will never address the real challenges of ageing.”
While acknowledging government initiatives such as the Private Aged Care Facilities Act, the National Ageing Blueprint and action plans for dementia and older persons’ health, Tan stressed the need to move from planning to action.
“If we want seniors to age with dignity, we must ensure financial security, social inclusion, and accessible support. Cash alone is insufficient; a comprehensive, legally anchored social protection system is essential,” she said.
