Law requiring children to support aging parents needed, says Kulasegaran

“I urge the government to bring this law as soon as possible because it would be a win-win situation for both the parents and the government,” he said, adding that it should not be the government’s sole responsibility to care for the elderly.

“It is also the children’s responsibility,” he said.

Acknowledging that the proposal could be a sensitive issue, he said some may question the need for such a law.

“It’s also sensitive to some people who say, why should you do this kind of law.

“I have spoken about this when I was in the opposition a lot. But now, in government, the portfolio doesn’t strictly come under me, although we have initiated it,” he said.

He hopes that the relevant ministries would act quickly as the people are expecting it.

When asked how much adult children should provide for their parents, he said it should depend on one’s income level.

“For example, if you’re earning RM5,000 a month, providing RM500 to your parents is not a big money.”

He added that such a law would work as a fear and love among children.

“You fear because the act is there and they can enforce it, but you give out of love because they are your parents,” he said.