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Initiatives to protect, ensure well-being of elderly citizens o Several measures introduced by Social Welfare Dept to provide financial assistance, social support and direct intervention for at-risk seniors

Woman reprimanded for allegedly insulting Prophet Muhammad KUALA LUMPUR: The Islamic Development Department has reprimanded a woman, who is an author, over a social media post allegedly insulting Prophet Muhammad SAW. The department said it had summoned the owner of the Facebook account “Ainon Mohd” over the post. It added that officers from the Federal Territories Mufti Office and the Selangor State Mufti Department were also present at a meeting with the woman on Monday. “The department urged her to remove the post. It advised her to be cautious when sharing content related to Islam and recommended that she should consult authorities to avoid disseminating inaccurate information. “She agreed to take down the social media post, apologised and promised not to do it again, and gave an assurance that she would be more careful with her writing,”the department said in a post on its Facebook page. It urged all parties to refrain from raising issues that could cause confusion or public anxiety, tarnish the dignity of Prophet Muhammad SAW as the messenger of Allah SWT, or disrupt harmony among Muslims in the country. “(We) appreciate the efforts of those in the book publishing industry in engaging with the public through this medium, which also serves as a platform for dakwah . The department urges all parties to exercise caution and avoid arbitrarily attributing matters to Prophet Muhammad SAW, to uphold the sanctity of his name and his dignity as the messenger of Allah SWT.” Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said police have received 13 reports nationwide against the author, who is also an entrepreneur. He said police initially received a report lodged by a 34-year-old man at the Beranang police station in Kajang on Saturday. “The (person) has been identified as a 75 year-old woman. We have recorded a statement from the complainant to complete preliminary investigations, which were carried out under Section 298 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. “Police will never compromise on any issue related to race, religion and royalty, and action in accordance with all existing legal provisions will be taken against those found to be causing disharmony and disturbing public peace.” – Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed condolences over the deaths of eight humanitarian workers from the Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisations. He said the eight, who were killed in Gaza, were humanitarian heroes who “tirelessly dedicated themselves to helping our oppressed brothers and sisters”. “I strongly condemn this inhumane attack and urge the international community not to remain silent in the face of the ongoing atrocities in Gaza,” he said in a post on his Facebook page. “May the souls of these martyrs be blessed and placed among the righteous. Al-Fatihah .” On Monday, Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisations CEO Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby said eight Palestinian workers were martyred in an attack at 1.30pm (local time) in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza on Saturday. The victims were identified as Mahmoud Yahya Al-Sarraj, Bilal Hossam Oqeila, Mahmoud Samir Oselim, Mahmoud Khaled Oselim, Mohammed Al-Ghafeer, Hazem Ghareeb, Bilal Abu Matar and Ahmad Hamad. – Bernama DPM extends condolences

Senior Citizens Act, a law aimed at legally recognising and protecting the rights of abandoned or vulnerable seniors. The Social Welfare Department has also set up activity centres for the elderly across the country, providing safe spaces where seniors can socialise, learn new skills and engage in community activities. The department’s Elderly Care Unit also provides transport services, ensuring seniors can attend medical appointments, social events and community programmes. These initiatives aim to reduce isolation and keep seniors actively involved in society. For seniors facing distress or emergencies, the department operates the Talian Kasih Helpline (15999 or WhatsApp 019-2615999) 24/7, all year round. It is also working with welfare volunteer organisations through Home Help Services to ensure regular check-ins on vulnerable seniors. With over 6,698 seniors currently receiving support through the Home Help Services, the department stresses that combating elderly isolation requires a united effort from families, communities and government agencies. “The well-being of our elderly is not just a government duty – it’s a social responsibility.”

PETALING JAYA: The growing number of elderly and infirm Malaysians living alone, and in some cases dying unnoticed, has prompted the Social Welfare Department to intensify its efforts to safeguard such individuals and ensure they remain connected within the community. Several recent cases highlight the severity of the issue, including the death of a 46-year-old woman living alone in Putrajaya on May 26 last year, reportedly due to a chronic illness. In another tragic incident on July 12, an 85-year-old woman perished in a house fire in Kampung Bukit, Tumpat in Kelantan. Firefighters discovered her body in the bathroom, with burns on multiple parts of her body. In another case, a 49-year-old man who was suffering from tuberculosis and diabetes was found lifeless in his home in Terengganu last year. Recognising the devastating effects of isolation on mental and physical health, the department has introduced several initiatives to provide financial assistance, social support and direct intervention for at-risk seniors. “The Social Welfare Department’s primary goal is to help seniors age within their communities rather than in institutional care.” One of the government’s key initiatives is the Welfare Aid for Senior Citizens Programme, which provides RM500 per month to low-income elderly individuals. This support helps seniors cover basic needs and remain independent. In 2023, RM857 million was allocated, benefiting over 146,000 senior citizens. Another initiative is the Bedridden Disabled Persons and Chronic Patient Care Assistance, which also provides RM500 per month to families caring for bedridden or chronically ill elderly relatives. It said in 2023 alone, the scheme supported over 28,000 recipients, with a total allocation of RM165 million. “For those who live alone or have no PETALING JAYA: In certain parts of the world, elderly people are reportedly committing crimes not out of necessity but in search of companionship and care within prison walls. The growing trend, observed in countries such as Japan, South Korea, the United States and the United Kingdom, highlights the devastating effects of loneliness among old people. In Japan, a tragic case involved an elderly woman who intentionally committed crimes to be imprisoned, hoping to find shelter and care after being abandoned. The 81-year-old woman, only known as Akiyo, as reported by CNN, has been jailed twice for theft after first stealing food while she was in her 60s and later repeating it when survival on a pension became difficult. Could such a phenomenon occur in Malaysia? While there are no reported cases of seniors deliberately seeking imprisonment in Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH AND QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

immediate carers, the department’s Home Help Services Programme will deploy volunteers to provide essential care and companionship. “These volunteers assist with daily tasks such as meal preparation, personal hygiene care, companionship, recreational activities, housekeeping, laundry and medication reminders.” The department added that beyond financial and social support, the Domestic Violence Act 1994 has been strictly enforced to protect elderly individuals from abuse, neglect and mistreatment, while the National Policy for the Elderly promotes intergenerational engagement to strengthen family and community ties. Additionally, under the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, the department is also working to introduce a

The Social Welfare Department’s primary goal is to help seniors age within their communities rather than in institutional care. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Seeking imprisonment to escape loneliness

cognitive decline, severe depression and a reduced quality of life, ultimately increasing the risk of mortality. She said according to the World Health Organisation, socially isolated older people face a 50% increase in risk of dementia, a 30% increase in risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease, and a 25% increase in risk of early death. Nur Amalina said considering their mental and physical well-being are crucial, it is risky for older individuals to live on their own, especially if they suffer from chronic illnesses. “My advice to those living alone or experiencing loneliness is to stay active, embrace the simple joys of life, spend time on activities that bring you peace and surround yourself with the people you cherish. Remember, you are never alone.” – QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI and KIRTINEE RAMESH

Malaysia, experts warn that social isolation and economic struggles among the elderly are growing concerns. Universiti Teknologi Mara gerontologist Dr Nur Amalina Aziz said considering Malaysia is well-known as a multi-racial and multi-religious society, older persons might not resort to such drastic measures to escape loneliness. “However, this issue can be related to the increasing number of admissions to old folk homes each year, due to lack of housing, income and children to care for them. “Among the primary factors contributing to older people committing crimes are poverty and social isolation. For some, being sent to prison becomes the last option to escape dire conditions such as loneliness and emptiness, social stigma and poverty.” Nur Amalina said as elderly people are left alone over time, loneliness and social isolation could worsen their condition, leading to