Proposed Parental Care Act must reflect Sarawak realities

Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, May 8: The federal government’s proposed Parental Care Act must take into account Sarawak’s unique social landscape, including the realities of longhouse communities, rural villages and urban families, says Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.

She said Sarawak hopes to be involved in discussions on the proposed federal legislation to ensure the policy is comprehensive and suitable for different family structures and caregiving situations in the State.

“We hope Sarawak will also be invited to take part in discussions when formulating this policy,” she said when asked to comment on the proposed Parental Care Act during a press conference held at Tun Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Haji Bujang Building in Simpang Tiga today.

She stressed that the circumstances faced by families in Sarawak differ according to location and socio-economic background, and these realities must be reflected in any future legislation.

“We hope this policy will take into account all aspects. Every factor and every type of family must be considered — their income levels and their way of life.

“We hope it will be holistic and comprehensive, including the Sarawak context — the realities in longhouses, villages and urban areas, because each context is different,” she said.

Fatimah added that the feelings and wishes of elderly parents must also be taken into consideration, particularly their desire to remain in their own homes as they age.

“Many parents want to age at home. They want to live and die in their own homes,” she stressed.

She also highlighted that the federal government must examine the real challenges faced by children, including the need to establish dedicated support systems for caregivers.

“There are children who still have parents to care for, while at the same time raising their own children. So what support can we provide to families like this?” she said.

While welcoming the proposed law in principle, Fatimah said support mechanisms would be crucial, particularly for lower-income families struggling with caregiving responsibilities.

She noted that many elderly persons applying for welfare aid often say their children are unable to fully support them due to unstable incomes and existing family commitments.

She added that support systems should also consider senior citizens who have never married, have no heirs, or are dependent on relatives for shelter and care.

On Thursday (May 7), several media outlets reported that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Patinggi Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has revealed that the federal government is studying a proposal to introduce a law on parental care to ensure greater responsibility towards parents.

He also said the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has been tasked to submit a proposal paper on the drafting of the Act within six months, before it is tabled to the federal Cabinet for policy approval. — DayakDaily