By Ling Hui and Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 6: Incumbent Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii has given his word that he will push for elder-friendly policies in Parliament if Pakatan Harapan (PH) forms the government.
He said he would also propose that a national care economy and ageing community preparedness plan be tabled in preparation for the aging population in Malaysia.
“United Nations statistics show that 17 per cent of Malaysia’s population will be aged 65 and above by 2045.
“More than 20 per cent of the Malaysian population will be older than 65 by 2056, up from 7 per cent in 2020, according to the World Bank,” he said.
Bandar Kuching, Dr Yii said, is also an aging community with 32 per cent of its voters aged 61 and above.
Without systemic intervention from the government to assist the elderly especially those living alone, there would be a decline in productivity and economic growth as well as heightened pressure on public spending programs such as healthcare and pensions.
“That is why a clear policy direction and plan must be put in place and tabled in Parliament.
“This is something PH and I will be pushing for in Parliament to address the aging society in Bandar Kuching and Malaysia as a whole,” he said during a press conference at Sarawak DAP headquarters here today.
Also present was Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen, who is also the incumbent Stampin MP. — DayakDaily
