KUCHING: Sarawak needs to make a key focus an integrated strategy to ensure that senior citizens continue to live healthy, active lives and are given opportunities to contribute to society.

Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar emphasised that actual age should not limit a person's role and productivity.

"Age is just a meaningless number. You can be 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, even 100 years old. It doesn't matter," he said when speaking at the closing ceremony of the Sarawak International Conference on Ageing (SICA) 2025 at a hotel here on Wednesday.

He stressed the importance of a solutions-based approach and expert collaboration in addressing senior citizen issues.

"We don't need a one-sided attitude. What we need is solutions," he said, stressing that looking after the wellbeing of the young is key to the future of senior citizens.

At the same event, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Awang Asfia also shared international observations on senior citizen policies in Japan, Italy, Australia and the United States, including retirement systems and opportunities for the elderly to continue to play a role.

He said Sarawak needs to continue to develop senior citizen-friendly cities with appropriate facilities and support, ensuring they can live with dignity and quality. -UKASnews

Reporter: Betrice Britney Dee
Translator: Nerissa Sia
Photographer: Shahril Haqim