Malaysia Strengthens Social Protection And Healthcare To Address Ageing Nation Challenges
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is actively enhancing its social protection and healthcare systems to address the challenges of becoming an ageing nation by 2030, ensuring senior citizens continue contributing to national development.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the government has outlined the National Senior Citizens Policy and Action Plan as a commitment to balancing economic growth with social welfare, drawing on best practices from developed countries facing similar demographic shifts.
The policy emphasises comprehensive healthcare, the development of elder-friendly communities and social protection measures.
“Through the Malaysian Ageing Research Institute (MyAgeing), Malaysia is strengthening evidence-based initiatives to develop policies and programmes that support holistic elder well-being, aligned with sustainable development goals,” she said.
Speaking to Bernama during the National Older Persons Day 2025 celebration themed ‘Warga Emas, Wajah Masa Depan Kita’, Nancy added the government is leveraging international platforms to share experiences and develop innovations in healthcare technology, long-term care and community support programmes.
She said the Social Welfare Department (JKM), the main agency responsible for elder affairs, collaborates with the United Nations (UN), World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to ensure Malaysia’s elderly benefit from international best practices.
“As an active participant in international forums, Malaysia underscores the importance of integrated healthcare, elder-friendly community development and strengthening social protection policies,” she added.
Nancy noted Malaysia’s commitment at international forums such as the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), marked by the national observance of the International Day of Older Persons every October.
She also highlighted Malaysia’s dedication to the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA), focusing on increasing older persons’ participation in development, improving their health and well-being, as well as creating age-friendly environments.
Malaysia’s commitment under the UN Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on Ageing aims to enhance elder human rights protections by addressing existing gaps and supporting inclusive new legal frameworks, Nancy said.
She added that Malaysia consistently voices its stance in the OEWG sessions and introduced the Ageing Nation Agenda, a comprehensive framework covering economic, health, education and well-being aspects.
“The government’s practical commitment includes a monthly cash aid of RM600 benefiting nearly 150,000 senior citizens nationwide,” she said.
As an ASEAN member, Malaysia plays a key role in advancing the 2019 Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Ageing: Empowering Older Persons in ASEAN, promoting active and productive ageing in an inclusive environment based on shared regional responsibility.
Nancy also noted Malaysia recently hosted the ASEAN+Republic of Korea (ROK) Conference on Care and Support for Older Persons from June 30 to July 2, aimed at strengthening elder care systems in the region.
The conference emphasised the importance of regional cooperation for inclusive, sustainable policies that safeguard older persons’ rights and dignity, community care, intergenerational solidarity, and the use of technology and innovation.
-- BERNAMA
