Rights-based Older Persons Bill backed by experts needed, govt told

 Group says the bill must have clear legal protections against abuse and neglect, regulation of private care homes, and mandatory safety audits among others.

The proposed Older Persons Bill will go beyond legal safeguards by promoting greater responsibility within families and society towards the well-being of senior citizens, according to women, family and community development minister Nancy Shukri. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The government’s commitment to legislation on ageing with the proposed Older Persons Bill must adopt a rights-based approach that goes beyond welfare, family duty, and charity.

This was the consensus reached by the Rotary Club of Damansara (RCD), following discussions with lawyers, doctors, geriatric practitioners, and senior members who shared their personal experiences of ageing and caregiving.

In a statement, RCD said caring for older persons is an obligation grounded in constitutional principles, international human rights norms, and the country’s own diverse civilisational foundations.

“Ageing must be recognised as a national development priority. With only 70 geriatric specialists nationwide, far short of the estimated 700 needed, and dementia prevalence rising to nearly 10%, families are increasingly unable to shoulder the burden alone,” RCD president Dr J Thaneemalai said in a statement.

He added that the proposed legislation should address key issues pertinent to the well-being of senior citizens.

“The bill must have clear legal protections against abuse and neglect, regulation of private care homes, expand caregiver training, age-friendly urban design and mandatory safety audits.

“The implementation of a formal longterm care system including homehelp, respite care, and rehabilitation, and stronger financial and social support is also imperative,” he said.

According to Thaneemalai, treating ageing as a welfare issue frames older persons as passive recipients while a rights-based approach recognises them as active rights-holders, entitled to protection, participation, and dignity.

“This is why caring for older persons must be embedded in law, and not left to goodwill alone,” he said.

The government intends to table the Older Persons Bill in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Last month, women, family and community development minister Nancy Shukri was reported to have said that the proposed legislation would go beyond legal safeguards by promoting greater responsibility within families and society towards the well-being of senior citizens. - FMT