PSM has presented a memorandum and research paper on the need for a scheme for senior citizens who do not receive pensions to Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri today.
Calling it the “social protection for senior citizens” policy paper, the party proposed for those aged 65 years and above, who do not receive pensions, to be paid RM500 per month.
The party also suggested that the Health Ministry’s budget be increased from 2.3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to five percent in the next five years.
This, it said, is so that facilities can be provided to Malaysians, including senior citizens.
In addition, PSM said the National Action Plan for Senior Citizens should also be strengthened through dialogue sessions with NGO groups and the public.
“The ratio of Malaysians aged 65 and above is 2.4 million or 7.3 percent of people now. This ratio is expected to increase to 11 percent by 2030 and 14.5 percent by 2040.
“Many Malaysians are facing various issues which include in terms of finances, where there is an absence of a source of income or sufficient savings to finance their cost of living after they reach the age of 65.
“They also face challenges in the health sector where they are forced to deal with delays in obtaining treatment at public hospitals due to overcrowding and the increase in cases, lack of specialist doctors, and medical equipment,” it said today.
Therefore, PSM had called on Nancy to table the proposals at the cabinet meeting for them to be included in the 2024 Budget.
The memorandum, handed over by PSM chairperson Dr Michael Jeyakumar, was endorsed by several NGOs - Aliran, Consumer Association Penang, ERA Consumer, Family Frontiers Malaysia, Gabungan Marhaen, Gabungan Peneroka Bandar, Health Equity Initiatives, Pemuda Sosialis, Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia, Seniors Aloud, and Sisters in Islam. - Mkini
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