Law to compel people to fend for parents?

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KUALA LUMPUR: The government may study whether to introduce a law to compel people to provide subsistence for their parents if there is a need for such a law or the situation warrants it.

Director of the Social Welfare Department’s Family and Senior Citizens Division, Mohd Fazari Mohd Salleh, however, said that any proposal for the formulation of such a law must take into consideration the implications on parent-children relationships in the long run.

“The department sees the realisation on the part of the children themselves of their responsibility towards their parents as a more suitable approach in dealing with the issue (of caring for parents).

“Filial piety is in line with the norms of our society. Moreover, most Malaysians are still responsible towards their parents,” he said in an interview on Bernama’s Radio24 ‘Kerusi Panas’ (Hot Seat) programme on Tuesday.

On the National Policy on Senior Citizens which was approved on Jan 5 this year, Mohd Fazari said it was seen as being more comprehensive and capable of improving the status of senior citizens.

The policy focuses more on preparing senior citizens to lead an active and productive life, on fostering closer relations between the old and young generations, and on research on programmes for senior citizens. Mohd Fazari also said that the problem of senior citizens becoming destitutes or homeless could be avoided if individuals carefully planned for their future in their younger days. — Bernama