The newly-launched Malaysian Coalition on Ageing (MCOA) is advocating for the establishment of a ministry specially tasked with upholding the needs of the elderly, including facilitating provision of services for senior citizens.
KUALA LUMPUR: The newly-launched Malaysian Coalition on Ageing (MCOA) is advocating for the establishment of a ministry specially tasked with upholding the needs of the elderly, including facilitating provision of services for senior citizens.
One of its founding members, Cheah Tuck Wing from Third Age Media Association Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, said this was necessary because many urgent requirements of the senior community were not being adequately addressed.
"The Welfare Department under the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has too many responsibilities as it has to look into the affairs of not only the elderly but also women, children and the disabled.
"As such, a dedicated ministry is much needed for better delivery of services for senior citizens. For that purpose, we want to engage the government as partners instead of a critic," he said after launching MCOA here today, citing the increasing number of senior citizens as the main reason.
Cheah added that the coalition is also advocating for social security and benefits as well as public infrastructure and facilities that are better catered for the elderly.
MCOA consists of nine non-governmental organisations (NGO), including the Association for Residential Aged Care Operators of Malaysia, Nursing Care Association Selangor, Goldenage Welfare Association Malaysia and Seniors Aloud.– BERNAMA