MALAYSIA: Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated right this moment the federal government is contemplating a regulation requiring grownup kids to take care of ageing mother and father. Talking after launching the Nationwide Social Coverage Motion Plan 2026‑2030, Zahid defined the proposed Act would emphasise filial duty, with a coverage paper due in six months.
He pressured preserving Malaysia’s social values whereas learning international fashions to align with native tradition and spiritual sensitivities.
This pattern mirrors what’s unfolding in Singapore, with Malaysian netizens voicing robust opinions. Some lament that they “didn’t select to be born,” reflecting strained household ties the place mother and father count on kids to surpass their very own achievements. Others argue that the rising price of residing is a significant factor.
On X, one identified that not all mother and father are the identical, and a few kids didn’t develop up in supportive households. Some endured abuse, main them to chop ties later in life. The person argued that kids raised in abusive environments shouldn’t be held chargeable for caring for his or her mother and father.
Following that, one other argued that the Malaysian authorities ought to “step up” and take duty for its residents, somewhat than shifting the burden onto the youthful era. The person questioned how kids are anticipated to take care of poisonous mother and father, stressing that good mother and father naturally earn their kids’s assist.
Others are questioning the morality of right this moment’s adults. A citizen expressed dismay that the difficulty has grown critical sufficient to warrant authorities intervention. He argued that kids ought to care for his or her mother and father, simply as mother and father cared for them throughout childhood, framing it as an ethical obligation that shouldn’t be uncared for.
Moreover, some urged Malaysia ought to set up a stronger welfare system to make sure the aged are cared for, emphasising higher incentives for retirement houses, noting such measures might additionally generate jobs and assist the financial system throughout unsure instances.
A lot of the dialog blames mother and father for irresponsibility or previous abuse, but little is claimed about kids who abandon supportive mother and father regardless of a very good upbringing. One proposed resolution is to offer aged folks with jobs they’ll handle.
Just like Singapore, the place seniors work in quick‑meals shops, such alternatives in Malaysia might assist uncared for elders regain dignity, monetary independence, and social connection.
