THE Government has launched a renewed national action plan aimed at enhancing the welfare, dignity and care of senior citizens, as the country braces for the demographic shift towards becoming an aged nation.
Unveiled by Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, the Elderly Action Plan (Pelan Tindakan Warga Emas Negara, PTWEN) 2026–2030 will serve as a blueprint to reinforce long-term elderly care governance and expand awareness programmes on ageing at the individual, family and community levels.
"Several strategies have been enhanced under this plan, including increased efforts to diversify awareness programmes about the elderly and ageing issues," she said at the National Senior Citizens Day 2025 closing ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.
Also present were Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad and the Director-General of Social Welfare, Datuk Che Murad Sayang Ramjan.
Nancy stressed that PTWEN 2026–2030 would further strengthen integrated long-term care governance and enhance social assistance schemes for senior citizens.
"The government approved the previous Elderly Policy and Action Plan 2010–2020 on 5 January 2011. It was a continuation of the National Policy for Older Persons and was developed in alignment with international frameworks and national policies," she said.
She noted that the previous plan expired in 2020, necessitating a new strategy that reflects current and future needs. "The updated PTWEN must be developed in line with the National Ageing Framework and the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13)."
Speaking on this year's theme for Senior Citizens Day — "Senior Citizens: The Face of Our Future" — Nancy called for greater recognition of the elderly’s present-day contributions and their inspirational role for younger generations.
"Senior citizens are not a burden to the country. They are, in fact, a valuable national asset — keepers of wisdom, generational bridges and role models worthy of respect."
She added that older Malaysians continue to play a vital role in both national and global agendas, acting as mentors to the youth, connectors of families and cultures, and advocates for social wellbeing and sustainability.
“In the past five decades, life expectancy in Malaysia has increased from 63 to 76 years. This is the result of our collective efforts in advancing public health and wellbeing,” she said. - October 6, 2025
