STATEMENT : GENERAL DISCUSSION OF THE 14TH SESSION OF THE OPEN ENDED WORKING GROUP ON AGEING

STATEMENT BY

MR. MOHD AZAHARI MOHD DAUT

DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE

MINISTRY OF WOMEN, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

AT THE

GENERAL DISCUSSION OF THE

14^TH SESSION OF THE OPEN ENDED WORKING GROUP ON AGEING

Thank you Madam Chair,

Malaysia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Chile on behalf of the Group of Friends of Older Persons.

Madam Chair,

2. Malaysia is among many countries in the world that are facing ageing population as it is expected to become an aged nation by 2030 where senior citizens aged over 60 years old, make up 15.3 percent of the total population of the country.  As such, the Government remains committed in implementing various policies under the ambit of the National Policy for Older Persons and the National Plan of Action for Older Persons in order to achieve respective goals under these frameworks namely increasing the participation of older persons in society, improving the quality of life of older persons, and protecting the rights of older persons.

3. The National Advisory and Consultative Council for Older Persons (NACCOP) is the main body that oversees the implementation and status reporting of Malaysia’s National Policy for Older Persons and its Plan of Action.  Through NACCOP, representatives of older persons are able to raise issues and provide recommendations that serve to benefit older persons as the Council has seven sub-committees covering different portfolios such as health; social and recreation; housing and environment; employment; economy; research and development; as well as education and spirituality. 

4. In order to empower individuals, families and communities towards improving the well-being of older Malaysians, the Government has recently reviewed the National Plan of Action for Older Persons (PoA), adding provisions on long-term care and care industry in the PoA’s six stretegies.  The PoA is also implemented through an inter-sectoral and multi-disciplinary approaches involving coordination among the relevant ministries, agencies, non-governmental organizations, private sectors and the community. 

5. To form an effective and integrated delivery system for elderly services, Malaysia has developed the National Registry System called e-Warga Emas (e-WE). This system helps older persons and the community in getting the latest information related to facilities, job opportunities, requirements and expertise, among others. It also facilitates employers, NGOs and other related parties to provide assistance and match jobs needed by the older persons. 

6. The Government has also developed a Smart Aging Module as a holistic intervention that focuses on the psychological well-being of the elderly. This module uses psychoeducational methods and psychotherapeutic activities for prevention, development and rehabilitation which covers readiness and resilience, psychological support for caregivers, empowerment of elderly activity centre volunteers as well as emotional, cognitive and behaviour support for the older persons.

7. Moving forward, the Government will further develop the Care Industry for the benefits of the elderly. The Department of Social Welfare has been appointed as the Industry Lead Body (ILB) for Care and Community Services. Currently, the National Occupational Skills Standard (NOSS) for elderly care outlines the minimum competencies needed by an employee or carer working in this sector.

8. In conclusion, Malaysia will continue to adopt a whole-of-society approach in enhancing our collective efforts in providing an ecosystem that supports the needs of its society. Malaysia remains open to learning as well as adopting best practices of other countries and looks forward to engaging in a constructive discussion with all the delegations and experts during this fourteenth session.

Thank you.