KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia should consider establishing a dedicated Ministry of Senior Citizens to ensure the needs and welfare of its ageing population receive focused attention in policymaking, budget allocation and national development.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said senior citizens, particularly those in their 60s to 80s, remained an underserved group despite having contributed to the country throughout their working lives, with no dedicated government agency overseeing their specific needs.
She said policymakers must move beyond the traditional perception that older people were no longer productive or interested in working and recognise their potential to remain active contributors to society.
