KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 ― The government is conducting an in-depth study on policies to provide long-term and comprehensive protection to senior citizens, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
This will include enhancing the National Policy and Action Plan for Older Persons, she said.
“We are in the midst of conducting a diagnostic study to formulate a long-term model that is well integrated and sustainable.
“As such, we need to approach the issue in a holistic manner,” she said at the Tasputra Malaysian Muslim Welfare Organisation (Perkim) Day Care and Training Centre for special needs children here today.
The women, family and community development minister was commenting on cases of elder abuse and a university study claiming that 5 per cent of rural and 10 per cent of urban elders were abused.
She said she hoped the study will lead to improved laws for elder protection that would be just and equitable to all.
“If you punish (people) without solving the problem, then it will be the same,” she said.
Earlier, she said a lasting solution must involve all stakeholders and that it was not feasible to expect her ministry and the government to address the issue alone.
