The government is studying a proposed law that would make it a legal duty for children to care for their ageing parents, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
He said the initiative, which is still at discussion stage, aims to establish a clearer legal framework that reinforces filial responsibility as part of Malaysia’s broader social development agenda.
Zahid made the remarks after launching the National Social Policy Action Plan 2026–2030, noting that several countries have already implemented similar legislation, although Malaysia has yet to finalise its approach.
According to him, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development has been instructed to prepare a policy paper on the proposed Act within six months. The paper will then be brought to the Cabinet for consideration before any drafting work begins.
He stressed that the move is intended to safeguard Malaysia’s moral and social foundations as the country continues to develop, adding that development must go hand in hand with values and responsibility.
Zahid also cautioned against the erosion of cultural and religious principles, saying that caring for parents is a shared value across all communities, even if practices differ between countries.
He added that Malaysia will review existing “filial responsibility” laws in other jurisdictions to guide its own framework, while ensuring any policy introduced is aligned with local cultural norms, religious sensitivities and social realities.
