KUCHING – Malaysia and Indonesia are working to strengthen cooperation on issues involving older people, including coordination on welfare and measures to reduce the risk of homelessness among vulnerable elderly communities.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Patinggi Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the matter was among the issues discussed during his recent engagements with Indonesian officials in Jakarta.
According to Ahmad Zahid, discussions focused on improving coordination between the two countries in addressing the needs of elderly people, particularly where cross-border welfare and care arrangements may be involved.
He said the matter had been raised in discussions with Indonesian officials, including Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who serves as Indonesia’s Vice-President.
“Among the things that were discussed, yes, the soap cleaner, then the matter was discussed with Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Mandal of the President of Indonesia,” he said.
The remarks were made when Ahmad Zahid spoke to reporters about matters related to his responsibilities concerning efforts to coordinate initiatives addressing ageing and welfare issues.
The proposed cooperation reflects the wider need for countries in the region to coordinate social policies as their populations age. Issues such as elderly care, access to support services and the welfare of people without adequate family or community assistance can require coordination between different levels of government.
Ahmad Zahid also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in developing approaches to ageing that can be applied across Southeast Asia.
He said cooperation could contribute to discussions on future policies and approaches to the challenges associated with ageing populations.
The deputy prime minister also referred to the importance of sharing experiences and practices among ASEAN countries, particularly in areas involving elderly welfare and support services.
He said the initiative should be viewed from a regional perspective, given that ageing is a demographic issue affecting countries across Southeast Asia.
Malaysia and Indonesia have extensive social, economic and people-to-people ties, while communities in border areas have long-standing connections. Cooperation on welfare matters could therefore involve coordination between agencies when vulnerable individuals require assistance across jurisdictions.
Ahmad Zahid is scheduled to travel to Jakarta from September 17 to 20, 2026, to attend the Halal Convention-20, including the fifth World Halal Summit 2026, also known as Summit H20.
The event is being organised by Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Organising Agency (BPJPH).
His planned visit provides another opportunity for Malaysian and Indonesian officials to discuss areas of mutual interest, including issues linked to social development and regional cooperation.
In Sarawak, ageing and welfare matters are also being addressed through state-level agencies and committees.
Sarawak Premier and State Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, along with Deputy Minister for Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Development and senior citizens Datuk Rubiah Wang, are among state leaders involved in matters concerning welfare and older people.
The discussions between Malaysia and Indonesia come as governments across the region face the longer-term implications of demographic change.
An ageing population can increase demand for healthcare, social protection, suitable housing and community-based support.
For Malaysia and Indonesia, closer coordination could provide a framework for sharing information and experiences on how to support older people while reducing the likelihood that vulnerable individuals are left without adequate assistance.
Ahmad Zahid’s comments also indicate that elderly welfare is being considered within a broader regional context rather than solely as a domestic policy issue.
The proposed cooperation remains focused on coordination and policy discussions, with further details expected as officials from both countries continue their engagement on elderly welfare and related social issues.
