KUCHING, May 9 — Members of the public have shared their views following reports that the government is considering ‘filial responsibility law’ to legally require children to care for their ageing parents.
The proposal came after Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was quoted as saying that several countries had already implemented similar laws, with Malaysia still in the discussion and review stage.
Robert Ukin, 40, said he would support the law, describing it as ‘a rightful duty of children towards their parents’.
“We should not neglect them.
“As children, we need to ensure that we care for our parents, including their daily needs, medical care and wellbeing,” he told The Borneo Post here.
He added that caregiving responsibilities could be shared among siblings through mutual agreement.
“We are no one without our parents.
“Caring for them is not a burden but a moral obligation.”
Gerald Marcel Peter Blodi, 21, also supported the proposal, saying that it could help prevent neglect of elderly parents.
“I have seen parents being neglected nowadays, even in my own area.
“It makes me sad because we should not treat our parents that way,” he said.
He added that such legislation could serve as a safeguard in cases where children abandoned their responsibilities, though he noted challenges in caring for the elderly people, including exposure to online scams.
He expressed hope that the proposed law would improve protection and welfare for senior citizens.
Meanwhile, Zaidil Peri, 60, said caring for ageing parents was already a family responsibility and should not need to be legislated.
“I think it is already a responsibility. So if it’s made into law, then it’s the right thing for children to do,” he said.
Zaidil, however, added that any such law should be accompanied by government support, including financial assistance.
“Taking care of the elderly folks is not easy. There are expenses for medicine and daily necessities.”
Nur Shafira, 17, said she strongly supported the idea of caring for ageing parents.
“I don’t see any problem with it.
“My parents provided me with education, food and shelter.
“It’s something I can never repay, so I will take care of them when they are older,” she said. — The Borneo Post
