A Penang group has asked the government to come out with a blueprint on health care, housing, privileges and concessions for senior citizens in the country.

Senior Active Group of Elders' (SAGE) chairperson Chin Sek Ham said that as the population in Malaysia is aging, with approximately 10 percent of Malaysians being 55 years or more, much more has to be done by the government to assist them.

"One out of every ten citizens is an elderly person and the projection is that the figure will be closer to one in eight by the year 2020," he said at SAGE 15th anniversary dinner in Penang recently.

"The world's population is also aging. A grey wave is approaching. With low birth rates continuing to deplete the ranks of the young, good health and medical breakthroughs keep pushing life expectancies higher each year, the world faces the prospects of many more and much older senior citizens," he said.

Chin said that as the world's population will increase by 38 percent in this millennium, the number of people who are 60 years and above is also expected to increase by more than 55 percent.

Slower recovery

It is said that the category of the so-called "very old" - those above 80 years - will also mushroom by approximately 70 percent!

"When one becomes old, one becomes more prone to illness and the recovery is also slower. The sick will need the services of a geriatrician," Chin added.

"Therefore, we urge the government to take immediate steps to set up a geriatric hospital in the state for senior citizens".

Chin, a former teacher, also raised the issue of the current low interest rate on fixed deposits.

Up FD interest rate

"Those surviving on pension are facing serious financial problems, they cannot make ends meet with the prevailing FD interest rate of three percent per annum, they have to dig deeply into their savings," he said.

He said those without a monthly pension were hard hit by the situation and they are "living below the poverty line".

"If the government can give bonus to civil servants, I hope they would also consider requesting financial institutions to give a special FD rate for the elderly of at least six percent," Chin added.

The dinner, held in the hall of the Holy Spirit Cathedral, was graced by Dr Teng Hock Nan, who represented Penang Chief Minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon (photo).

Well-established Malay entrepreneur Tunku Dr Ismail Jewa and his wife, Hajah Rosie Densham, were also present to lend their support.