Zahid said the proposed Parental Care Act must be brought before the Cabinet for policy approval once ready.

“We are beginning to see neglect of elderly parents, including sending them to old folks’ homes and leaving them without visits.

“That is a very undesirable abandonment of responsibility,” he told reporters after launching the National Social Policy Action Plan (PTDSN) 2026-2030 here.

He said the proposed law is urgent as Malaysia moves towards an ageing society.

“With senior citizens making up 8% of the population in 2025, social policy must look beyond financial assistance, but also care, family support and dignity of life,” he said.

Zahid also said the government would study the experience of other countries that had already introduced similar laws before drafting Malaysia’s framework.

In Singapore, the Maintenance of Parents Act allows elderly parents who are unable to support themselves financially to file claims against their children through a tribunal system.

China’s Law on Protection of the Rights and Interests of the Elderly, meanwhile, requires children to not only provide financial support but also regular contact and emotional care.