Malaysia weighs law requiring children to support aging parents

May 14 (Asia Today) -- Malaysia is considering legislation that would require adult children to support aging parents, as the country prepares for a sharp rise in its elderly population.

Local media, including Malay Mail, reported Thursday that the Malaysian government is reviewing a parental maintenance bill aimed at strengthening family responsibility for older adults.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the bill is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet within six months.

The proposed legislation is separate from a broader bill on senior citizens' rights and welfare. Officials said the parental support measure is intended to ensure citizens fulfill social responsibilities toward aging parents.

Malaysia is reviewing systems used in other countries and is closely studying Singapore's Maintenance of Parents Act as a possible model.

Under Singapore's system, citizens age 60 and older may seek monthly financial support or a lump-sum payment from their children.

Malaysian officials said any similar system would take into account the financial circumstances of adult children.

Those who are unemployed, supporting spouses or children or facing financial hardship could be excluded or required to provide only minimal support.

Malaysia has also been preparing a separate senior citizens bill since 2023 to protect older adults from neglect, abuse and exploitation.

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad urged lawmakers last month to move quickly on the senior citizens bill, saying population aging can no longer be delayed as a policy issue.

He said aging affects healthcare, welfare and society more broadly, making a legal response necessary.

According to a population projection report released by Malaysia's Department of Statistics in July, people age 60 and older are expected to account for one in five Malaysians by 2048. The share of people age 65 and older is projected to exceed 14%, putting Malaysia in the category of an aged society.

Malaysia's population age 65 and older accounted for 7.74% of the total in 2024, the fourth-highest share among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Thailand was highest at 15.36%, followed by Singapore at 13.66% and Vietnam at 9.05%.

-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 4:59 PM.