Lok Sabha: KPWKM is in the final phase of finalising bills related to golden citizens

KUALA LUMPUR, 7 Oct: The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) is now in the final phase to finalize the enactment of Bill on protection of Golden Citizens to strengthen welfare and protect these groups from neglect, abuse and exploitation.

Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that at present the ministry is using the space and opportunities available to get input from various parties through a comprehensive approach of government and society.

He explained that the extensive consultation process also involved various ministries and agencies at the Federal, state and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

"In addition, the votes of the people at the root level were also negotiated through public opinion polls to ensure that this bill reflects the real needs of society.

"This complex process takes longer as the government is committed to researching various issues and new proposals put forward by stakeholders.

"At the same time, there are also several stakeholders involved in a round-the-clock transaction that is referred to and negotiated over more than one session. This thorough and in-depth research is crucial to ensure that the bills produced are truly comprehensive, in accordance with current needs, and most importantly, can be implemented regularly", he said at the Oral Questions and Answers Time in the Lok Sabha today.

Nancy answered the question of Rodiyah Sapiee (Gabungan Parti Sarawak-Batang Sadong) who wanted to know the current status of the proposed Parent Care Bill and what form and comprehensive social protection mechanism is expected to be announced to defend the welfare of the Golden population as the demographic increase of the country towards aging state status.

Meanwhile, Nancy insists that the protection of the welfare of Golden Citizens has never ceased while waiting for the bill to be finalized.

"Their rights and safety remain protected under existing legislation and mechanisms such as the Penal Code (Act 574) and Domestic Violence Act 1994 (Act 521) for cases of rape and violence as well as the Disabled Persons Act 2008 (Act 685) for OKU Golden Citizens and through intervention channels via the 15999 Love Line provided by KPWKM.

At the same time, Nancy also explained that the concept of social protection is much broader than just providing financial assistance but the aid remains being channelled by the government through KPWKM.

"On behalf of KPWKM, the protection network is translated among them through Golden Citizen Aid Distribution (BWE) which is targeted financial assistance of RM600 per month to those eligible and operation of 234 Golden Citizen Activity Centres (PAWE) so far this year to promote active ageing of over 50,000 members", he said. -TVS