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Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the government is considering a new law to place legal responsibility on children to care for their elderly parents
According to FMT, Zahid has instructed the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development (KPWKM) to prepare the proposed Parental Care Act within six months.
The draft will then be brought to the Cabinet for policy approval once ready.
"We are beginning to see neglect of elderly parents, including sending them to old folks' homes and leaving them without visits.
"That is a very undesirable abandonment of responsibility," he said after the launch of the National Social Policy Action Plan (PTDSN) 2026-2030 last week.
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Image via Bernama via FMTWith senior citizens making up 8% of the population in 2025, Zahid said social policies should go beyond financial aid and also focus on care, family support, and quality of life for the elderly
"Several countries have already implemented similar legislation, but Malaysia is still at the stage of discussion and review," Malay Mail quoted him as saying.
In Singapore, the Maintenance of Parents Act gives elderly parents the legal right to seek financial support from their children, with disputes handled through a dedicated tribunal system.
The tribunal can order children to pay a monthly allowance or a lump sum to parents over 60 who cannot support themselves.
Meanwhile, in China, the Law on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of the Elderly obliges children to care for their parents financially while also ensuring they stay in touch and provide emotional support.
