From Malay Mail · John Bunyan · · 2m
Malaysia plans law to make kids support aging parents
A proposed Family Support Bill would legally require adult children to financially support elderly parents who can no longer work.
In brief
A proposed Family Support Bill would legally require adult children to financially support elderly parents who can no longer work. Malaysia is developing filial piety legislation modeled on laws in Singapore and India, expected to be tabled in early 2027 after stakeholder consultations. Originally reported by Malay…
Malaysia drafting filial support law
Malaysia is developing a Family Support Bill that would legally require adult children to financially support aging parents who no longer work. The law is expected to be tabled in early 2027.
Why the delay from October
Deputy Minister M. Kulasegaran initially hoped to table the bill by October 2026, but the government needs more time to consult NGOs, relevant departments, and other stakeholders before proceeding.
“I'm hoping for this year. But probably, it looks like early next year.”
Addresses neglectful adult children
The bill targets situations where adult children, including professionals like lawyers, doctors, and engineers, fail to provide financial or other support to elderly parents who are no longer working.
Modeled on Singapore and India
Malaysia has studied similar filial piety laws in Singapore and India, where parents can seek court orders requiring their children to provide financial support. These models informed Malaysia's proposed legislation.
“This is not an unusual proposal. In several countries, including India, Singapore and others, we have studied what kind of legislation could be adopted in Malaysia.”
Elderly parents have requested it
The need for such legislation has been raised by elderly parents themselves, according to Kulasegaran. The government sees this as addressing a real social problem affecting seniors.
Cycle of neglect repeats
Kulasegaran observed that people who fail to care for their parents often face similar difficulties when seeking care from their own children, suggesting a pattern of intergenerational neglect.
Not just law ministry's role
The Family Support Bill falls under the jurisdiction of the ministry overseeing family and welfare matters, with Kulasegaran's Law and Institutional Reform Ministry collaborating on the proposal.
Mandatory caning also under review
Kulasegaran also mentioned that mandatory caning is under consultation following an impact assessment meeting. Details remain confidential under Malaysia's Official Secrets Act.
The short version
Malaysia is developing filial piety legislation modeled on laws in Singapore and India, expected to be tabled in early 2027 after stakeholder consultations.
