KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s proposal to introduce a legislation to safeguard the welfare of the elderly will protect them from becoming victims of neglect and abuse.
Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the study conducted by the government to introduce such a law to provide a support system for the elderly is timely as the number of senior citizens is increasing each year.
Based on the definition made at the "World Assembly On Ageing 1982" in Vienna, Lee said a senior citizen in Malaysia is defined as those aged 60 years old and above.
“There are serious problems and challenges ahead given the fact that Malaysia will be considered an ageing nation when seven per cent of its population will be 65 and older by 2030.
“The new Act will specifically protect the elderly and the legislation is in line with efforts to protect the rights of the senior citizens, especially when it comes to issues of neglect and abuse.
“This is in view of the increasing number of cases of neglect and abuse of senior citizens with many cases going unreported over the years,” said Lee in a statement today.
Since the cost of living is expected to increase in years to come, Lee said it is important to provide a social safety net including allowing healthy and experienced senior citizens to work.
“We often hear stories of senior citizens who are not properly taken care of and even left to live in deplorable conditions.
“It also pains me whenever I read about parents being abandoned at hospitals, welfare homes or even at bus stops by their own children or relatives,” he said.
He said Malaysia must have a more comprehensive social security programme since studies showed the retirement income for most of the older people is inadequate.
The country, said Lee, could emulate the approach taken by other nations which had introduced various financial incentives for employers to hire or retain older workers and subsidise job training for the group.
“More non-governmental organisations (NGOs) should be set up to care for senior citizens who are neglected by their family members, especially those who suffer from illnesses.
“We need to help the elderly to remain in the community by providing day-care centres and day hospitals, social clubs, rehabilitation, counselling and consultation centres, volunteer schemes and home nursing.”
He cited “Homehelp volunteers” under the Social Welfare Department as an example of support system which involves the local community to create awareness among neighbours of the problems and needs of senior citizens living in their respective vicinity.
“The most important thing is for the younger generation now to practise the noble values which include respecting and caring for the elderly, who have sacrificed a lot to raise us up.
“They deserve to have a quality life in their twilight years.”