Its deputy minister, Aiman Athirah Sabu, said the bill is expected to be tabled for its first reading next year.

“The ministry will also consider including provisions on those who neglect their responsibilities towards their parents to ensure an increase in public awareness on the importance of caring for their elderly,” she said in the Dewan Rakyat today.

She was responding to a question from Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat) on whether the ministry had plans to enact a law for mandatory salary deduction for children who send their parents to old folks’ homes.

Aiman said the ministry welcomes the proposal, in particular, for children who could afford to take care of their parents but fail to carry out their responsibilities.

However, for those who do not have the means to care for their parents, the ministry, under the welfare department, provides free services such as the Rumah Seri Kenangan and Rumah Ehsan.

In October 2021, Bernama reported that the Senior Citizens Bill had been scheduled to be tabled in Parliament in 2022.