The weak implementation of policies and unequal distribution of services
63. The main challenge in implementing of National Blue Ocean
Strategy programme is the issue of transportation to convey older
persons to clinics for medical services and follow up check-ups and
also the continuum of the activities conducted under the programme.
64. In relation to the services provided by the Department of Social
Welfare Malaysia such as home help Services and senior citizen care
unit, the availability of such services is dependent on the number of
registered volunteers in each district, and may be limited due to lack
of volunteers. At the same time, the services of senior citizen care unit
are also limited due to insufficient manpower.
65. With respect to existing social and welfare services for older persons,
there is a lack of mechanism to reach older persons. Most of the
people in rural areas do not know the existence of the senior citizen
financial aid and other support services offered by the Department of
Social Welfare Malaysia.
Lack of promotion on the rights of older person
66. The general attitude of the public at large that fail to respect the needs
of older persons and bad treatment from service providers.
67. There is a lack of promotion and awareness of the rights of older
persons as well as the National Policy for Older Persons. The lack
of inter-agency coordination hinders the implementation of the
Government’s policy and action plan. There is also no
universal, integrated and coherent social security system in
Malaysia. The weak implementation and enforcement of laws,
policies and related international obligations such as the
Convention on the Rights of Person with Disabilities, also pose a
challenge.
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REPORT ON CARE SERVICES FOR OLDER PERSONS AND SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS