b.
Plan of Action for Older Persons 34
29. This Plan of Action was drafted based on the National Policy for
Older Persons. The detailed strategies are outlined under this Plan of
Action. The implementation of programmes and activities related to the
older persons will involve collaboration from every individual and
group, voluntary organisation, local community, government agency
and the private sector based on the National Policy for Older Persons.
National Health Policy for Older Persons35
c.
30. The National Health for Older Persons was launched in 2008 by the
Ministry of Health. The goal of the Policy is to achieve optimal health
for older persons through integrated and comprehensive health and
health related services.
31. Under this Policy, all senior citizens aged 60 and above will receive
free and comprehensive health services and medicines in public
hospitals and clinic, and dental care beginning on 1 January 2012.
The outpatient registration fees at all public hospitals and clinics are
also waived. Besides that, older persons have to only pay 50% of the
normal hospitalization cost or a maximum of fee RM250.36
d.
National Housing Policy (NHP) 37
32. The NHP was launched in 2011 and one of its objectives is to enhance
the capability and accessibility of the people to own or rent houses
by offering affordable housing to the low income group, the disabled,
senior citizens and single mothers. The houses shall be complete with
basic amenities and facilities based on standards and current needs
and other social needs to create a conducive and liveable
environment. 38
33. In addition, the government encourages housing developers to
establish senior citizen activity centres within their housing projects
starting from 2012.
34
http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/OlderPersons/PublicConsultation2013/MalaysiaHRCommission_
SUHAKAM.doc
35 http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/OlderPersons/PublicConsultation2013/MalaysiaHRCommission_
SUHAKAM.doc
36
Only applicable to hospitalisation or admission in general (third) class facility in public hospitals and clinics. See
Circular No. 2/2012, Ministry of Health of Malaysia.
37 http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/OlderPersons/PublicConsultation2013/MalaysiaHRCommission_
SUHAKAM.doc
38 Thrust 6 of the NHP.
18
REPORT ON CARE SERVICES FOR OLDER PERSONS AND SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS