Govt Studying Proposal For Law On Parental Care

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (Bernama) -- The government is studying a proposal to introduce a law on parental care to ensure greater responsibility towards parents, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said several countries had already introduced laws governing children’s responsibilities towards their parents, while Malaysia was still at the study stage.

“I have asked the ministry (Women, Family and Community Development Ministry) to submit a proposal paper on the drafting of the act within six months from now, and it must then be tabled to the Cabinet for policy approval.

“The proposal is important to ensure family, religious and Eastern values continue to be preserved in line with the nation’s progress,” he told reporters after launching the National Social Policy Action Plan (PTDSN) 2026-2030 here today.

Ahmad Zahid said all races and religions should place emphasis on caring for parents, although approaches may vary between countries.

“The government also takes seriously the issue of neglect involving senior citizens, including cases where parents are sent to care homes and abandoned, which is unacceptable.

“We need to learn from the experience of countries that have implemented such laws. As for countries that have yet to do so, we believe they may eventually adopt a similar approach should circumstances require it,” he said.

The National Social Policy 2030 (DSN 2030), spearheaded by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, is a comprehensive framework aimed at shaping an inclusive, progressive and resilient Malaysian society.

-- BERNAMA