SHAH ALAM, Oct 27 — The proposed Senior Citizens Bill is expected to expand employment opportunities and improve skills among older people as Malaysia prepares to face the challenges of becoming an ageing nation.
State executive councillor for women empowerment and social welfare Anfaal Saari said that drafting the Bill marks an important paradigm shift towards a rights-based approach and the empowerment of senior citizens.
“The drafting of this Bill represents a very important paradigm shift towards a rights-based approach and empowerment.
“It is crucial as a legal safety net that recognises the rights of senior citizens in terms of protection, dignity, family support, and equal participation in society,” she told Media Selangor.
Anfaal added that key areas requiring attention include holistic healthcare protection, legal safeguards, developing an economic framework, and efforts to enhance workers’ skills.
Developing an economic framework and improving skills are important in creating opportunities for senior citizens to remain in the workforce, in line with changing labour needs as the country’s population ages.
Meanwhile, she said the state government hopes the Bill will serve as a catalyst for closer cooperation between the federal and state governments in strengthening the senior citizens agenda.
The framework is also expected to empower policymakers and implementers, while encouraging innovation through collaboration between the private sector and communities to meet senior citizens' needs.
These efforts are important to ensure the senior citizens' agenda is not only focused on welfare and protection, but will also include opportunities for older people to remain active, develop their skills, and contribute to economic and social development.
Previously, National Council of Senior Citizens Consultative and Advisory Council member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said Malaysia needs to expedite the introduction of a comprehensive Senior Citizens Bill to strengthen the rights, protection, and welfare of older people.
The former civil servant and social activist said people aged 60 and above now account for about 12 per cent of Malaysia’s population, underscoring the need for a stronger national commitment to healthy ageing, care, and social protection.
