UNDERSTANDING IMPLICATIONS OF AN AGEING POPULATION IS CRUCIAL - NANTA

KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- Understanding the implications of an ageing population is crucial for policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities to develop sustainable solutions that support the well-being and quality of life of older individuals said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

As the proportion of elderly individuals grows relative to the working-age population, it poses various social, economic, and healthcare challenges for societies to address, he said.

“These are among the key points that I have highlighted in my opening speech at the ‘Parliamentarians Regional Meeting on Ageing Preparedness and Care Economy in Asia’, organised by The Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, today.

“The focus of this platform also touches on the challenges faced by the women, which constitutes majority of older persons in Asia-Pacific. Some countries have also taken the proactive steps by providing incentives and designing comprehensive policies that empower the ageing population,” he wrote on X.

According to Nanta, Malaysia too is not lacking with the Ageing National Agenda Blueprint currently being developed by Economic Ministry which includes all-inclusive framework and action plan to prepare the country in dealing with the challenges and opportunities of ageing towards the socio-economic development.

“That aside, the Self-Employed Scheme (SPS) initiative was also introduced in Budget 2024, aims to offer comprehensive social protection coverage, targeting women engaging in informal sector jobs.

“I hope this meeting which also sees participation from other countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Philippines as well as Lao PDR will be fruitful and further emphasised on the call to action to raise awareness on elderly care, besides forging new partnerships for a better future,” he said.

-- BERNAMA