Welfare homes almost full, government prioritises the elderly, destitute and abandoned

THE Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) is now giving priority to cases of elderly people who are frail and completely abandoned due to the capacity of care institutions under government control, which is reported to be almost full.

Its Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, said that space constraints meant that not all placement applications could be implemented immediately.

She also explained that before any placement action was taken, the Social Welfare Department (JKM) had to go through strict procedures, including efforts to trace the heirs to ensure that family responsibilities were not neglected.

"Actually, before we protect the elderly, we have to find their heirs. We are afraid that there would be heirs who want to take their parents in.

"There were also matters that we had to take to court first to get permission. That depends on the situation," she said.

She was commenting on the recent viral case involving an elderly person who was helped by an influencer, while emphasising that JKM has been involved from the beginning to monitor and ensure the welfare of the individual.

According to Nancy, apart from placement in institutions, the ministry also provides various other forms of support, including financial assistance, to ease the burden of elderly people in need in the community.

The government also welcomes the involvement of the private sector and individuals in addressing the issue of abandoned elderly people, but reminds that all such initiatives must comply with the established guidelines.

This measure is important to ensure that the safety and quality of care for this group are always at the best level in line with existing acts. – April 19, 2026