In a bid to safeguards its elderly population, Saudi Arabia has introduced severe penalties for neglecting and abusing elderly individuals, Gulf News reported on Saturday.

As per new regulations, neglecting or abusing of elderly individuals may be punished by up to one year in prison and fines reaching 500,000 riyals.

Saudi lawyer Noura Al Wanda emphasised that the responsibility for the elderly individuals’ care lied with their families.

If negligence resulted in a violation, the competent court will determine the appropriate punishment, Al Wanda added.

The Kingdom’s public prosecution said that the new law was aimed at deterring mistreatment of vulnerable demographic.

The new law gives the elderly individuals the right to live with their family while family members are responsible for providing shelter and care.

Further, the family’s breadwinner is also prohibited from using the elderly’s money without their consent and also forbids the misuse of funds owed to them.