Strengthen Family Institutions As Nation Approaches Ageing Phase - Dr Wan Azizah

KOTA KINABALU, Dec 13 (Bernama) -- The family institution must be strengthened as a cornerstone of national well-being as Malaysia prepares to become an ageing nation by 2048, said Prime Minister’s wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Dr Wan Azizah said Malaysia is expected to become an ageing nation when people aged 65 and over account for 14 per cent of the population, highlighting the need for early action and public awareness to ensure the well-being of the people.

“The (demographic) shift calls for immediate action and planning to ensure the impacts are effectively managed, particularly for the public and vulnerable groups,” she said, referring to the 2025-2045 National Ageing Action Plan.

She said this during the MADANI Family Inspiration Seminar at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today.

Also present were the wife of Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, and the wife of Sabah Chief Minister, Datin Seri Juliah Salag.

Dr Wan Azizah said the family unit now faces new pressures from the digital world, which exposes children to unfiltered content and underscores the role of parents as their closest protectors and guides.

She said that while the government can introduce certain policies, the most effective monitoring still begins within the family itself.

“Today’s world is digital (and) everything is at our fingertips. We have access to all kinds of content online, some good, some not. How do we filter it?”

“Especially for the next generation, our children. The government may introduce policies, but who monitors (the children)?” she said.

Dr Wan Azizah also voiced concern about parents relying on gadgets to keep young children calm while juggling their daily responsibilities.

She stressed the need to revive the values of rahmah (mercy), mawaddah (intense love) and sakinah (tranquillity) as the heart of the household while also fostering manners and wisdom in daily interactions for the well-being of the family.

The seminar brought together participants from government agencies, non-governmental organisations, academia, and the local community to exchange knowledge, experiences, and strategies for fostering harmonious families.

-- BERNAMA