“Seniors Need More Than Health Screenings” — Hannah Yeoh Calls For Dedicated Ministry
She said older people should not be assumed to have lost interested in working or contributing to society.
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Hannah Yeoh says Malaysia should consider setting up a dedicated ministry for senior citizens
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh has called for the setting up of a dedicated ministry for senior citizens. Yeoh said the ministry should have its own dedicated budget and policymakers to focus on the needs and welfare of older Malaysians.
Speaking at the Silver Economy Forum in Kuala Lumpur on 12 November, Yeoh said the country devotes substantial resources to supporting people through childhood, education, and youth, but similar attention is lacking in their later years, as reported by the New Straits Times.
"Until and unless you have a designated ministry (for senior citizens), advocates, policymakers, budgets set aside for them, you have people putting on the lens of a senior citizen when looking into amendments to the law. All that will require the energy and resources of a particular ministry," she said.
Yeoh said programmes for seniors commonly focus on health screenings, while their need for friendship and social interaction can get overlooked
Leaving those needs unmet, she added, could affect their health and mental well-being.
She also said older people should not be assumed to have lost interest in working or contributing to society. Instead, their opportunities to stay employed, socialise, and participate in community activities should also be given attention.
Yeoh called for safe spaces where seniors can meet people and spend time together. She also suggested exploring dedicated platforms to help older people get to know potential companions.
The suggestion remains a proposal, with no announcement that a new ministry will be established.
