KOTA KINABALU: Policies may have to be drawn up or existing ones amended to effectively address problems associated with an ageing society in the country.Community Development and Consumer Affairs Assistant Minister Datuk Anita Baranting said this is because Malaysia is expected to become an aged nation by 2030."With the increase in the number of elderly in society, it is not impossible that certain policies must be made or amended to address this problem effectively in the future," she said.
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Baranting made these observations at a one-day Welfare Symposium held at the Tabung Haji Complex, here, Wednesday.The symposium, organised by the Welfare Department, was held in conjunction with the 60th Anniversary of the Sabah Community Service Council.
She said the topics to be discussed are in line with the current pressing issues faced by the country as a whole."Volunteerism is also increasingly being regarded suspiciously by the public saying that many volunteers are only looking for free rides and fame. This issue also must be addressed especially because most volunteers are young people who genuinely wish to contribute anonymously," she said.
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Baranting said the theme for the 60th Anniversary of the Sabah Community Service Council, which is 'Togetherness in Volunteerism', symbolised the type of unity and close cooperation between the council and the Government and other NGOs in carrying out welfare-related activities.She hoped the spirit of togetherness will remain strong in line with the Government's hope to build a loving and prosperous society.
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More than 150 people from various NGOs and government departments attended symposium.
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Among the topics elaborated at the event were social gerontology issues, volunteerism in Sabah, scope of social work services in the health setting, communication challenges in children with autistic spectrum disorder and beggars and homeless issues and challenges.Also present during the event were the Ministry's Permanent Secretary Datuk Siti Sapoo Ahok, Sabah Women Affairs Department Director Fatimah Jaafar, Sabah Welfare Services Department Deputy Director Mohamad Noor Wahab and Sabah Community Service Council Executive Secretary Joanne Lee.