Govt mulling salary cuts for children who send their parents to nursing homes

The government is considering a law on mandatory salary deductions for those who are affordable but who send their parents to government-run nursing homes, as part of efforts to increase public awareness on the welfare of senior citizens. 

Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Aiman Athirah said it was the responsibility of children to look after their parents. 

"The ministry welcomes the suggestion for a law on mandatory salary deductions for children who send their parents to nursing homes or centres if they are able to care for them," she added, speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today.  

She was responding to Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat), who asked if the government planned to introduce such a law. 

Aiman said the government had established the Rumah Seri Kenangan and Rumah Ehsan institutes for those who are unable to care for their parents. 

She said these institutions were funded by the government, with no fees imposed on their residents. 

She said the government was also studying the need for a senior citizens act to protect their basic rights and provide a support system for the elderly and their caregivers.