THE Health Ministry has called for the urgent passage of a proposed law to protect older persons, citing new national health data that highlights the growing need to prepare for an ageing society.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said findings from the 2025 National Health and Morbidity Survey show that action on elderly care can no longer be delayed and must be strengthened through a whole-of-government approach.
He stressed that the proposed Elderly Bill would serve as an essential legal framework covering the rights, facilities and services of older persons, complementing existing national policies and action plans.
This Elderly Bill needs to be expedited as it will form part of the legal framework for their rights, including facilities and services. All of this is contained in the bill and is very important,” he said at a press conference after launching the survey findings on elderly health.
“If we start late, we will always be trying to catch up with the situation, and ultimately remain in a state of crisis,” he said.
He explained that early intervention would enable better management of non-communicable diseases, cognitive decline, frailty, fall risks, and conditions such as sarcopenia before they become severe.
The minister added that ageing must be addressed beyond healthcare alone, involving social welfare systems, community support, and national preparedness, requiring coordinated cross-government action.
The proposed legislation is expected to complement existing frameworks, including the Elderly Healthcare Service Action Plan 2023–2030 and the National Dementia Action Plan 2023–2030, while strengthening legal safeguards against neglect, abuse, and exploitation.
Previously, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the draft bill had been completed and is expected to be tabled in Parliament in 2026, aimed at improving protection and overall wellbeing for Malaysia’s ageing population. - April 20, 2026
