LETTER | Malaysia is ageing, are we ready for it?

LETTER | The growing number of senior citizens in Malaysia should prompt us to think beyond celebrations, discounts and occasional programmes for the elderly.

Malaysia is ageing, and this demographic change will eventually affect almost every part of society.

Department of Statistics Malaysia figures show that the proportion of Malaysians aged 65 and above increased from 8.0 percent in 2025 to 8.4 percent in 2026.

The proportion aged 60 and above had already reached 12 percent in 2025, representing about 4.1 million people.

DOSM projects that Malaysia will become an ageing nation by 2036, when those aged 60 and above are expected to exceed 15 percent of the population.

These figures should make us ask a simple question: Are we adequately prepared for an ageing Malaysia?

Preparation should not be limited to healthcare and welfare. It should include housing, public transport, roads, pedestrian facilities, workplaces, financial security and opportunities for older people to remain active and independent.

Being 60 or 65 does not automatically mean that a person is unable to contribute.

Value senior citizens’ experience

Many older Malaysians possess valuable experience and skills acquired over decades. Some may wish to continue working, perhaps on a part-time, flexible or consultancy basis.

Others can contribute through mentoring, voluntary work, community activities or professional organisations.

Instead of viewing older people mainly as recipients of assistance, we should also recognise their potential contribution to society.

At the same time, we must acknowledge that not everyone reaches old age in the same circumstances.

Some retirees have adequate savings and family support, while others face financial insecurity. Longer life expectancy also means that retirement savings may have to support people for considerably more years than in the past.

This makes financial preparedness for old age an issue not only for today's retirees but also for younger Malaysians who may still have decades before retirement.

Health consideration

Health is another important consideration. Ageing should not be regarded simply as a medical problem.

A healthy ageing strategy should also enable older people to remain mobile, socially connected and independent for as long as possible.

Our physical environment matters too. Public buildings, pavements, pedestrian crossings, public transport and other facilities should take into account the needs of people whose mobility, vision or hearing may change with age.

The same principle applies to workplaces. As people live longer and some remain economically active beyond traditional retirement ages, employers should consider whether workplaces are suitable for workers of different ages.

Lighting, ergonomics, manual handling, heat exposure, fatigue, emergency evacuation and accessibility are among the occupational safety considerations that deserve attention.

This should not be interpreted as saying that older workers are less capable. Rather, workplaces should be designed so that people with different capabilities can work safely.

A workplace that accommodates older workers can often be safer and more accessible for everyone.

Senior Citizens Bill

Malaysia's proposed Senior Citizens Bill also reflects the growing importance of the issue. The government had initially expected to table the Bill this year, but recent reports indicate that it is now likely to be presented in early 2027 after further consultation with NGOs, state governments and other stakeholders.

The proposed legislation is intended, among other things, to provide more comprehensive protection against neglect, abuse and exploitation of senior citizens.

Legislation is important, but laws alone cannot create an age-friendly society.

Families, employers, local authorities, transport providers, community organisations and individuals all have roles to play.

We should also be careful not to assume that every older person wants the same thing. Some may want to continue working; others may prefer retirement.

Some may live with their families, while others may live independently. What matters is that older people have reasonable opportunities to make choices about their own lives and to participate in society according to their circumstances and abilities.

Long-term planning

The recent attention given to ageing by policymakers is therefore timely. Malaysia's demographic transition requires long-term planning rather than short-term responses.

And this is not simply a “senior citizens issue’.

The 40- or 50-year-old Malaysian of today is tomorrow's senior citizen. The decisions we make now about retirement, healthcare, housing, transport, employment and community life will shape the society in which many of us eventually grow old.

We should certainly celebrate our senior citizens and appreciate their contributions.

However, the real measure of an ageing society is whether its older citizens can live with dignity, remain as independent as possible, stay connected with their communities and continue contributing according to their abilities.

Preparing for an ageing Malaysia is not about doing something for “them”. It is about preparing for all of us.

Writer is a council member of Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing Selangor and its Safety and Health Committee chairperson.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

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