30. With regard to the challenges in protecting the rights of older persons, he informed the following:a. There is a perception that retirees or older persons should withdraw from workforce as they are seen as the stumbling block to the expansion of creativity and innovation in the workplace. b. The current practice of retaining only outstanding individuals (from among older persons) with special skills and expertise limits the accessibility and availability of jobs for older persons. c. Lack of disaggregated data on older persons. d. Lack of promotion and awareness of the rights of older persons as well as the National Policy for Older Persons. e. Lack of inter-agency coordination hindering the implementation of the Government’s policy and action plan. f. Shortage of geriatric health care professionals, workers, formal and informal community care. g. No universal, integrated and coherent social security system in Malaysia. h. Older persons are discriminated in accessing financial services. i. Weak implementation and enforcement of laws, policies and related international obligations such as the Convention on the Rights of Person with Disabilities. 31. He was of the view that a specific legislation for older persons is unnecessary because once specific legislation for specific group is introduced, it will automatically create demand from other groups. It would cause a problem of drafting and implementation. Nevertheless, there is a need to create more awareness on the available rights and protections accorded by existing domestic laws, and if need be, to study areas of the said laws which should be improved and implemented in Malaysia. REPORT ON CARE SERVICES FOR OLDER PERSONS AND SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS 79