PETALING JAYA - Legendary singer Datuk Khadijah Ibrahim, 64, was among the recipients of the Timeless Inspirations Awards at ‘The Celebration: Life Begins at 50, 2nd Seniors Festival 2023’, which took place at the Atria Shopping Gallery here today.
Grateful for the award, Khadijah said that being devoted to one’s parents has become a requirement in Islam, to appreciate the sacrifices of those who never cease to tirelessly raise children as best as possible.
"I’m happy because I’m a soft-spoken person. But, when it comes to the elderly, if I know of elderly people being mistreated or someone is rude to them, that makes me upset. People who are rude can make me angry. Apart from that, it’s really difficult for me to go off the deep end.
"I am saddened when I see the elderly sent to old folks home and neglected by their children, when that tender-loving care is their responsibility and this attitude must be stopped,” she told Bernama after the event.
The awards are to recognise outstanding senior citizens for the various contributions in their fields.
Besides Khadijah, the award also recognised Datuk Mohd Nordin Mohd Khalid (Datuk Lat), Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi, Ivy Josiah and Datin Paduka Sister Enda for their contributions to the good of society.
As for one-time Senator Ras Adiba, 55, she hopes Malaysia will have a strong support system for the elderly, like those abroad, in preparation for attaining the status of an ‘ageing nation’ in 2030.
Therefore, she said, all parties including non-governmental organisations and corporate companies need to mobilise resources to provide facilities and a conducive environment for the elderly populace.
The three-day festival, which began today, is organised by the Amazing Seniors, a social club to connect the elderly in Malaysia.
The festival, held in conjunction with the celebration of International Seniors Day every Oct 1, offers a variety of interesting activities like lectures, health screenings and the sale of health products. - BERNAMA