Dr Wan Azizah calls for stronger family institutions to manage digital pressures and demographic shift as Malaysia approaches ageing nation phase
KOTA KINABALU: Family institutions must be strengthened as a cornerstone of national well-being as Malaysia prepares to become an ageing nation by 2048.
Prime Minister’s wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said Malaysia is expected to become an ageing nation when people aged 65 and over account for 14% of the population.
She highlighted the need for early action and public awareness to ensure the well-being of the people during this demographic shift.
“The shift calls for immediate action and planning to ensure the impacts are effectively managed, particularly for the public and vulnerable groups,” she said, referring to the 2025-2045 National Ageing Action Plan.
Dr Wan Azizah was speaking at the MADANI Family Inspiration Seminar at the Sabah International Convention Centre.
She noted that the family unit now faces new pressures from the digital world, which exposes children to unfiltered content.
This underscores the role of parents as their closest protectors and guides in the online environment.
“Today’s world is digital and everything is at our fingertips. We have access to all kinds of content online, some good, some not. How do we filter it?” she asked.
Dr Wan Azizah said that while the government can introduce policies, the most effective monitoring still begins within the family itself.
She also voiced concern about parents relying on gadgets to keep young children calm while juggling daily responsibilities.
Dr Wan Azizah stressed the need to revive the values of rahmah, mawaddah and sakinah as the heart of the household.
Fostering manners and wisdom in daily interactions is also crucial for family well-being, she added.
The seminar brought together participants from government agencies, NGOs, academia, and the local community.
They exchanged knowledge, experiences, and strategies for fostering harmonious families. – Bernama
