Selangor Journal
A view of the Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MPBJ) Senior Citizens Action Plan 2030, during its launch at MPBJ’s headquarters in Petaling Jaya, on May 17, 2024. — Picture via FACEBOOK/MAJLIS BANDARAYA PETALING JAYA

PJ launches action plan to meet ageing population’s demands

By Yasmin Ramlan 

PETALING JAYA, May 17 — The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) unveiled its Senior Citizens Action Plan 2030 today in preparation for Selangor’s transition into an aged state. 

Mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said the plan focuses on five key areas: health, economy, social and security, education, and environment. 

Through the action plan, the council aims to produce a society of independent senior citizens and ensure they experience healthy ageing, remain active and productive, and live happily in a conducive environment. 

“Selangor is currently in a transition phase towards an ageing population and is projected to attain a super-aged status by 2040,” he said during a press conference after the action plan was launched at MBPJ’s headquarters today. 

“According to the World Bank, a state is categorised as ‘super-aged’ when at least 20 per cent of the population comprises seniors aged 65 years and above.

Petaling Jaya Mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon (centre) speaks during a press conference after launching the Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MPBJ) Senior Citizens Action Plan 2030, at MPBJ’s headquarters in Petaling Jaya, on May 17, 2024. — Picture via FACEBOOK/MAJLIS BANDARAYA PETALING JAYA

“Therefore, issues involving the elderly, such as physical and mental health as well as low monthly income sources, are expected to impact the overall public expenditure, social welfare, and healthcare system,” Zahri said.

To address these, MBPJ is proactively prioritising the empowerment of senior citizens for the future via its Senior Citizen Action Plan 2030.

He said these efforts align with the First Selangor Plan’s (RS-1) strategic theme of enhancing social inclusivity and well-being in the state’s development, including for vulnerable groups like senior citizens and disabled persons. 

Among the programmes outlined in the action plan are initiatives that have been included in RS-1, like providing an employment platform for senior citizens, introducing an active ageing programme, establishing retirement facilities, and providing caregiver training for senior citizens. 

Zahri also announced today the formation of a special committee to monitor and oversee the implementation of the action plan and ensure its objectives are achieved.

The committee’s members include local councillors, representatives of MBPJ’s internal departments, Federal and state government agencies, and non-governmental organisations. 

“It serves as a focused group comprising individuals and groups with diverse expertise, particularly involving senior citizens. 

“They will engage in focused discussions on relevant issues, solution methods, and data availability pertaining to the Petaling Jaya Senior Citizen Action Plan 2030.

“The committee is also responsible for assessing, monitoring, and measuring the implementation of each action outlined in the plan,” he said.

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