Kuala lumpur: The government is currently examining a proposal to introduce a new law focused on enhancing parental care responsibility, announced Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The aim of the proposed legislation is to ensure that individuals take greater responsibility for the care of their parents.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, several countries have already enacted laws that define the responsibilities of children towards their parents. Malaysia is currently in the preliminary stages of considering such legislation. Dr Ahmad Zahid has tasked the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry with drafting a proposal for this new law within the next six months. Once completed, the proposal will be presented to the Cabinet for policy approval.

Dr Ahmad Zahid emphasized the importance of preserving family, religious, and Eastern values amid the country's development. He stated that all races and religions should prioritize parental care, although the methods for doing so might differ across countries. He expressed concern over the issue of neglect involving senior citizens, highlighting instances where parents are sent to care homes and abandoned, which he deemed unacceptable.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed the need to learn from countries that have successfully implemented similar laws, suggesting that nations without such legislation might consider adopting it in the future if necessary. The proposed law forms part of the broader National Social Policy 2030 (DSN 2030), led by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, which seeks to build an inclusive, progressive, and resilient Malaysian society.