The government is set to introduce a Parental Care Act aimed at reinforcing the responsibility of children in looking after ageing parents as Malaysia moves towards becoming an ageing nation by 2030.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the proposed law is designed to ensure better protection and welfare for the elderly as demographic pressures increase.
He said, “I have instructed the ministry to submit a proposal paper for the formation of this act within the next six months and it must be brought to the Cabinet for policy approval.”
Zahid added that the government will study the experience of several countries that have already implemented similar legislation before drafting the Malaysian framework.
He said, “We do not want that as Malaysia moves towards a developed nation, the issue of social responsibility towards parents is neglected.”
He was speaking to reporters after launching the National Social Policy Action Plan 2026 to 2030 in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.
The proposed legislation forms part of wider policy efforts to strengthen social protection systems as Malaysia prepares for an ageing population, with focus on long term care responsibilities and family support structures.
