02/12/2025

TUESDAY | DEC 2, 2025

3 Call for national alert system as more seniors go missing

Carers urge stronger silver response framework PETALING JAYA: Caregivers of elderly Malaysians say a nationwide silver alert system could save lives but they warn that practical challenges may limit its effectiveness. For Nuraida Rahman, 50, who cares for her mother with early-stage dementia, the concept is “good in theory”, but she questions how effective it would be in practice. “With social media and technology today, missing persons alerts already exist in some form, although often inconsistently.” “A silver alert could have better research behind it, but who would want to advertise it on media platforms like radio or newspapers? Cases involving missing older people, especially those who wander occasionally, rarely get proper coverage. I don’t think media companies would be too keen either.” Despite such reservations, Nuraida welcomed the idea of a coordinated alert system. “Anything that increases the chance of finding seniors safely is worth exploring. The challenge will be turning it into something practical that reaches people fast enough.” Siti (not her real name), who looks after her elderly father, said a silver alert could make a real difference for families like hers. “I think the idea is very good. Many elderly people are senile and tend to wander by themselves. They are not always tech savvy, don’t use phones regularly and may not remember important details like home addresses. “A system that quickly alerts authorities and the public could prevent small wanderings from turning into dangerous situations.” Siti added that caregivers often live under constant anxiety. “Even a short absence or lack of updates can be terrifying. “A silver alert could give families peace of mind, knowing there is a coordinated approach to locate their loved ones before something worse happens.” Another caregiver, Johan (not his real name), who cares for his grandmother, offered a slightly different perspective. “The idea is promising, but the system must be simple and widely understood. It won’t help if only authorities know about the alert and the public is unaware. “Elderly people often leave home quietly and if neighbours or local communities aren’t informed quickly, precious hours can be lost.” Johan emphasised the importance of combining technology with community involvement. “We need local volunteers, neighbourhood watch programmes and coordination with clinics and shops. Technology alone won’t solve the problem if people on the ground don’t know what to do when they see a missing senior. The system has to reflect the realities of elderly behaviour. Otherwise, it will just exist on paper.” Even so, he sees silver alerts as a potentially life-saving tool – but only if the system reaches the public, actively supports families and addresses the day-to-day realities of caring for the elderly. “A silver alert system must be practical, easy to understand and integrated within the community. Only then can it provide families with the support and peace of mind they desperately need,” Johan said. – By Harith Kamal

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Dementia, neglect and weak support structures leave elderly Malaysians exposed to injury and death: Public health expert

with tracking devices, accompany them outdoors, hire assistance, run errands on their behalf and ensure they carry phones with home address information.” Sharifa said safeguarding seniors requires a coordinated approach through technology, healthcare support and community vigilance. She also highlighted social and financial pressures affecting the elderly. “Financial strain and neglect contribute to abuse and abandonment. “While the National Policy for Older Persons exists, there are currently no laws penalising families who exploit or neglect seniors, although a supporting bill is in development.” Informal caregivers face challenges as well, she added. “Services exist, but gaps remain. There is no standardised compensation for those caring for the elderly at home.” See also page 11

PETALING JAYA: As Malaysia’s population ages, experts are calling for a nationwide alert system to locate missing seniors, warning that vulnerable adults – particularly those with dementia or cognitive impairments – face rising risks of injury, neglect or death without immediate action. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health medicine specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said numerous seniors go missing each year due to cognitive decline, dementia, Alzheimer’s, abandonment or elder abuse. “Missing seniors are exposed to immediate dangers such as hypothermia, heatstroke, drowning, hunger, falls and injuries. “Some are found dead, while others suffer worsening of existing medical conditions. If they drive, there’s the risk of accidents that could harm themselves and others.” Sharifa stressed that the dangers extend beyond immediate injury.

wearable devices or mobile apps to quickly locate missing seniors and prevent serious health outcomes. “Alerts should cover areas where seniors may face trauma from injuries or abuse.” However, Sharifa warned of structural challenges in implementing such a system. “Malaysia currently has too few geriatric specialists. While palliative care, physiotherapy and other elderly services are available through public and private clinics, a fully coordinated alert system involving police, healthcare, telecommunications providers and the public is not yet ready.” She recommends preventive measures at family and community level. “Families can equip seniors

“Prolonged and trauma can have long-term health consequences. The lack of a formal mechanism to locate missing seniors compounds the problem.” To tackle such risks, she advocates establishing a silver alert system, modelled on programmes in the United States. A silver alert is a public warning system designed to help locate missing older adults, especially those who are vulnerable due to dementia, Alzheimer’s or other cognitive impairments. The main idea is to quickly inform the public, authorities and relevant agencies when a senior goes missing, increasing the chances of finding them safely. “The system would leverage technology, such as tracking tags, exposure

Yeoh assured that even though those aged 30 and above will no longer be classified as youth, government aid will still be accessible to them, such as the grants provided by the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minisrty. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

Govt aid to over-30s will continue KUALA LUMPUR: All government assistance for those aged 30 and above will continue despite the forthcoming reduction in the youth age limit, the Dewan Rakyat was told yesterday. be classified as youth, we will ensure that the assistance reaches them,” she said in response to a supplementary question from Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi). Citing an example, she said grants provided by the

reduced from six to four years. The government has sought to allay fears that those aged 30 and above would be left out – particularly in terms of access to support for entrepreneurship, agriculture and other sectors. Yeoh emphasised that the policy shift applies to the definition of “youth” in statutory youth organisations – it does not imply a withdrawal of broader governmental assistance to those who exceed the age threshold. – Bernama

age limit to 30 stems from earlier amendments to the Youth Societies and Youth Development Act 2007 (Act 668) via the 2019 amendment bill (Act A1602), which lowered the maximum youth age from 40 to 30. The effective date for the new age cap has been set for Jan 1 next year. The redefinition of “youth” under the Act covers membership in youth societies or organisations, with youth-society office-bearers likewise constrained to the 18–30 age range and leadership terms

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the Cabinet had approved a memorandum titled – Coordination of Government Support and Assistance for Youth Post-Enforcement of the Lowered Age Limit – which was tabled by her ministry at a meeting last Friday. “Even though they will no longer

Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry for young people aged 30 and above will remain accessible. Similarly, special grants for young farmers under agricultural programmes will continue. The decision to lower the youth