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STATEMENT : GENERAL DEBATE OF THE 12TH SESSION OF THE OPEN-ENDED WORKING GROUP ON AGEING, 11 APRIL 2022
STATEMENT BY
H.E. DATO' SYED MOHAMAD HASRIN AIDID
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS,
AT THE
GENERAL DEBATE OF THE 12TH SESSION OF THE
OPEN-ENDED WORKING GROUP ON AGEING
UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK
11 APRIL 2022
Madam Chair,
The successful implementation of socio-economic development strategies has resulted in many nations witnessing a growth in their ageing population, including Malaysia. With this in view, Malaysia continues to place emphasis on issues related to older persons by enhancing inclusiveness in all areas, such as health, career development, welfare and self-respect. We also acknowledge the fundamental roles of older persons within families and society as well as to the nation.
2. Malaysia further recognises the rights of older persons to participate and contribute to sustainable development. In this context the Government has recently completed a study on the content, approach and scope in drafting a Bill specifically for older persons. Among the provisions included in the study are those that set out the rights to equality and non-discrimination.
3. Based on preliminary findings of Malaysia’s Ageing and Retirement Survey, respondents among older persons’ expressed willingness to continue working for as long as their health permits. The findings are encouraging in promoting active and productive ageing meaningfully and effectively.
Madam Chair,
4. Productive ageing is an important element under Malaysia’s National Policy for Older Persons. The policy among others, highlights the need to facilitate access to lifelong learning, promote the involvement of older persons in the community, including in meaningful charitable and paid work activities, as well as ensure a protective and safe environment for older persons. A National Advisory and Consultative Council for Older Persons has been established to oversee the implementation of this Policy and its Plan of Action. Through this Council, representatives of older persons in various fields are able to raise issues and provide recommendations that serves to benefit the elderly.
5. The Government has also continued to improve social protection and economic security for older persons through the provision of social services, social and financial security, social assistance, health care, social safety net, formal and informal employment, and social risk management arising from the COVID-19. Empowering the elderly, family and community with knowledge, together with a supportive environment to encourage independent life is necessary towards ensuring healthy ageing of the population.
6. Findings from the National Household Income, Expenditure and Basic Amenities reveal that those aged 65 years and over, recorded a poverty incidence of 12.0 percent in 2019 as compared to 10.9 percent in 2016. The outcome of the survey has been used extensively in the formulation of policies and poverty eradication programmes. The increase in poverty incidence has spurred the government to undertake more efforts to address poverty among the elderly population, particularly among women.
Madam Chair,
7. Malaysia shall continue to strive towards implementing the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing and supporting the mandate of this Working Group to promote and protect the rights and dignity of older persons.
Thank you.