PUTRAJAYA, Sept 3 — The Senior Citizens Bill, previously targeted for tabling this October, is expected to be brought to Parliament in early 2027.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that although the draft bill is complete, the process is taking time due to engagement sessions with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and state governments.

“Our timeline was indeed this year. However, we were informed that after the engagement sessions, many new elements need to be incorporated, and we agreed to include them as amendments to our draft,” she told reporters after attending the Social Welfare Department’s 80th Anniversary celebration here today.

Nancy said the next step involves further scrutiny before the bill can be finalised and submitted to the next stage.

The new law aims to provide more comprehensive legal protection, particularly in addressing issues of neglect, abuse, and exploitation involving senior citizens.

Additionally, the legislation is part of comprehensive preparations for Malaysia’s demographic transition to becoming an ageing nation by 2028. — Bernama