Should law be used to handle the rights of the elderly in the society?

• Main Authors: Tagaranao, Mariam Saidona, Abdul Shukor, Syahirah, Gamon, Alizaman Dumangcag
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: Usuli Faqih Research Centre PLT (UFRC) 2019
• Subjects: K Law (General); KBP Islamic Law
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/72298/1/72298_Should%20law%20be%20used%20to%20handle%20the%20rights.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/72298/; http://fsu.usim.edu.my/e-prosiding-wargaemas2019/

The issue of dignity at any age and the basic rights of aging person are guaranteed in the Federal Constitution. In fact, priority seats and services are also given to those who have reached the age of sixty years and above. Aging is associated with less capable in economy and physical; as a result, there have been reports that our old people are being discriminated and even physically abused by members of society. Things become worst as the people who are involved with abuse of elder people are their own blood and flesh; their own daughters, sons or other members of the family. The main objectives of this article is to identify the loopholes in the Malaysian laws, regulations and policies on elders’ rights and protections against abuse and neglect. It will also enhance and improve the awareness of the family members, caretakers and the whole society, on the existing laws, regulations and policies on elders’ rights. The significant of this study will explain the legal rights of elders and the need to implement new laws which will impose severe punishment related to abuse and neglect of elders. The researchers will use the library multidisciplinary resources, specifically, law books, annual reports, newspapers and textbooks from legal academic publishers and articles from scholarly journals. In conclusion, this effort will identify and show the laws and other legal tools that will protect the elders and promote their sense of security from abuse and neglect. This will hopefully help the government in developing a strong legal response to the problem of aging people before it becomes a major issue.