00:00Malaysia is projected to become an Asian nation by the year 2030 as 15% of Malaysians being aged 60 and above.
00:13This is not just a statistic, it is a call to action.
00:18This demographic reality demands that we act swiftly and comprehensively
00:25to ensure that every Malaysians can grow old with dignity, security and inclusion.
00:34Our other persons are the pillars of wisdom, the keepers of culture and the storytellers of our nation's history.
00:44Their severance and sacrifices allow us to enjoy the Malaysia that we have today.
00:52It is our moral duty as a society and as a nation to ensure that their lives not in fear or neglect,
01:02but in peace, safety and happiness.
01:07Yet behind closed doors, some of our other persons face a silent struggle.
01:14Domestic violence is not an issue limited to women and children.
01:19Our other persons too are vulnerable.
01:23Many face physical, emotional and even financial abuse, often from those crosses to them.
01:33The pain is not only in the bruises but in the betrayal of trust, the loneliness and the silence falls upon them.
01:44We must break this silence.
01:46We must confront the stigma and speak openly about the challenges faced by our other persons,
01:55so that no of them feels invisible, unheard or unprotected.
02:05One of the most plastic issues we face is about older persons abuse, whether physical, emotional, financial or neglect.
02:16Reports have shown that a significant percentage of domestic violence cases involve older persons.
02:25Equally concerning are cases of neglect and abandonment where all the persons are left without care or support,
02:34sometimes even at hospital and public air spaces.
02:38These actions are not only morally unacceptable but also demand stronger legal regrets.
02:46Let us remember, growing old is not a burden, it is a victory.
02:53And the way we treat our older persons today will reflect the society we inherit tomorrow.
03:01I urge all of us, policymakers, civil society, families and individuals,
03:09to stand united in defending the dignity of our older persons.
03:15Together, let us ensure that our golden generations truly live their golden years,
03:24free from abuse, free from neglect and embraced by love and respect.
03:32Above all, our older persons deserve to live their golden years with compassion, dignity and security.
03:43They have contributed immensely to our families, economy and nation.
03:50We must ensure that they are safe from abuse and neglect and they are not left behind in our fast-moving world.
04:00In preparation for the country's transition to an aged nation, the government is currently preparing the National Senior Citizens Action Plan,
04:172026-2030, which will be officially launched in conjunction with the National Senior Citizens Day celebration on 5 October, 2035 in September.
04:36This new action plan will serve as a comprehensive roadmap to safeguard the dignity, security and well-being of our older persons.
04:48Among the new strategies that have been introduced are to increase efforts to diversify awareness programs on aging issues,
05:00the rights of other persons and the responsibilities of children.
05:06Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy is currently preparing the Aging National Agenda, which focuses on medium- and long-term socio-economic development plans.
05:18It is supported by various ministries and stakeholders, which is in line with the whole-of-nation approach.
05:25This agenda includes challenges in health, education, finance, productivity and labour, as well as the use of technology that will determine long-term and sustainable economic growth for the aged.
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