Sarawak Minister says Parental Care Law must be sensitive to Sarawak’s realities

 

STATE Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah says that a proposed federal law requiring children to care for ageing parents must be holistic and sensitive to Sarawak’s diverse realities, including longhouses, villages, and urban settings.

She noted that while the concept aligns with cultural and religious values, implementation must consider children’s financial capacities and the need for support systems, as many elderly prefer to age at home.

Fatimah highlighted that senior citizens remain among the largest welfare applicants and urged Sarawak’s inclusion in policy discussions to ensure regional perspectives are reflected in the final framework.

“So we hope it would be very holistic, very extensive, taking into account the Sarawak context as well: what it is like in longhouses, in villages, and in urban areas,” she said at a press conference.

Moreover, she was commenting on the Federal Government’s consideration of the legislation announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Fatimah said that while the concept aligned with cultural and religious values, implementation must consider the varying capacities of families.

“When we come up with the policy later, we also need to look at the situation of the children who need to care for their parents, and what support systems need to be in place.”

Last week, Zahid said the government is considering a law requiring adult children to care for ageing parents.

Speaking after launching the National Social Policy Action Plan 2026‑2030, Zahid explained the proposed Act would emphasise filial responsibility, with a policy paper due in six months.

He stressed preserving Malaysia’s social values while studying foreign models to align with local culture and religious sensitivities.

Zahid’s statement garnered strong reactions on social media.

Some users on X said some children may not abide to the new laws, citing parental abuse when they grew up for example.

X user @ari_4791 pointed out that not all parents are the same, and some children did not grow up in supportive households.

“Children did not ask to be born into this world. And not all parents are loving. Some are abusive towards their children. Do not force these children to be responsible for such bad parents.”

For user @RelaxAlex_ argued that the Malaysian government should “step up” and take responsibility for its citizens, rather than shifting the burden onto the younger generation.

“It’s like “we don’t know what to do with them, so we chuck the responsibility back to the children and slap a law when we’re at it.”

“How do u deal with toxic parents? U can’t force the kids to care for them against their will. Good parents will have good kids to care 4 them.”

Others are questioning the morality of today’s adults.

X user @benx80s expressed dismay that the issue has grown serious enough to warrant government intervention.

“Something is fundamentally wrong with society or culture if a law is needed to make children responsible for their elders.

“Instead, more should be done to support the basic family unit and educate younger children. More laws would mean more enforcement and resources, hence a more bloated government.” —  Focus Malaysia