Malaysia’s population is aging at a higher rate than we expected and the latest study found out that Malaysia will become a aging society by as soon as 2030.
One of the many problems that Malaysia is now facing is that the country has not enough nursing homes to service for the soon-to-be senior citizens, as pointed out by the Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun said.
As a solution, Rina encouraged the corporations and private enterprises to come together and create facilities to provide daycare or transit services to those who require them.
In addition, these facilities should not only provide care services, but they play a role in creating a healthy and active lifestyle among senior citizens in the country.
It is also reported that Malaysia will become a nation with an aging population by 2030, with about 15% of Malaysians aged 60 and above.
“This is less than a decade ahead, so the government wants to work with the private sector to create more nursing homes catering for senior citizens that will also offer facilities and not just basic care, but also physiotherapy and counselling.” she told Bernama after visiting the Shalis Centre nursing home yesterday (24 September).
Meanwhile, Rina said the government currently provides similar services, including Senior Citizens Activity Centres (PAWE). However, she said the participation of the private sector is very much encouraged.
“We already have PAWE but as our population ages, there will be children who can afford to send their parents to paid nursing homes.”
“Every facility has their own target group, including poor families, the hardcore poor or those with financial means.” she said.
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