ABANDONMENT OF OLDER PERSONS IN MALAYSIA: EXAMINING THE NEED FOR LEGAL CAREGIVING OBLIGATIONS

Abstract

The abandonment of older persons in Malaysia is an emerging social and legal concern, particularly in hospitals and care institutions. This article examines whether there is a need to introduce legal caregiving obligations since the current family law for both Muslims and non-Muslims does not sufficiently address family caregiving responsibilities towards older persons, which leads to neglect and abandonment. Using a qualitative doctrinal approach, the study analyses Malaysian social and legal provisions together with legal obligations in selected ASEAN jurisdictions. The findings show that while filial responsibility is socially expected, Malaysian law lacks clear and enforceable caregiving obligations for adult children or family members. This legal gap limits accountability and weakens protection for older persons. The article argues for the need to introduce explicit caregiving duties for older persons by their adult children to strengthen legal safeguards and better protect them against abuse, neglect, and abandonment.