Kuala Lampur:Engagement sessions for the drafting of a Bill aimed at protecting senior citizens have been expanded across the nation to gather input from various stakeholders to ensure the welfare of this group is safeguarded against neglect, abuse, and exploitation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri stated that the consultation process involves multiple ministries, federal and state government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and grassroots-level participants.

The ministry is in the final stages of drafting the proposed Parents' Care Bill, which is anticipated to be presented to Parliament early next year. Nancy Shukri emphasized that public feedback has been gathered through surveys to ensure the Bill meets societal needs. The minister noted that while the Bill is being finalized, senior citizens' rights and safety are still protected under existing legal frameworks.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development provides various social support services to senior citizens. Eligible recipients can receive a monthly assistance of RM600. There are also 234 senior citizens activity centres (PAWE) promoting active ageing, boasting over 50,000 members, and a home help service (KBDR) that supports over 9,000 seniors with the help of more than 2,000 trained volunteers.

Nancy Shukri also highlighted the government's efforts to enhance the elderly care ecosystem through the Malaysia Care Strategic Framework and Action Plan 2026-2030, focusing on training and improving caregiver competencies.