Supporting the Elderly: The “Kenang Budi” Concept Within the Malay Society in Malaysia

Abstract

The rising number of elderlies has brought several issues forward, particularly pertaining to care and support. Children are expected to be the primary source of support for the elderly and provide them with physical, social, and financial support to show that they are indebted to their parents. This concept is called “kenang budi.” The concept is prevalent in the Malay Muslim culture in Malaysia. This study examines the types of support given by the children in the practice of the “kenang budi” concept by analyzing the data gathered from 327 elderly in Pahang, Malaysia, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The results demonstrate that the concept is practiced by several acts of service, such as providing health support and care, aiding them financially, preparing daily necessities, maintaining good contact, and taking them to places such as mosques and festival shows. Since children’s support is pertinent for the well-being of the elderly, the concept of “kenang budi” is appropriate in ensuring the children’s continuous support and providing a chance for the children to care for and be responsible for the elderly. This article highlights the element of “kenang budi” (literally, in English, grateful) in the Malay community, especially in the context of doing a good or responsible attitude towards elderly parents, similar to the concept of filial piety practiced in Chinese society in Southeast Asia.