PENANGITES should not see old age as a problem in society but as a new reality to embrace and to be prepared, said state executive councillor Lim Siew Khim.
Lim, who oversees the welfare portfolio, said that having attained the status of an aged state (nation), Penang residents must take heed of the new realities that seven per cent of its average population is aged 65 and above.
"There needs to be a shift in how we handle social amenities and healthcare as we are all getting old rapidly," said Lim.
Penang is one of the states with the fastest-ageing society in Malaysia.
By 2040, an estimated 26.2% of its population will be aged 60 and above.
Driven by lower birth rates and longer life expectancies, this demographic shift presents unique challenges and opportunities for the state's economy and infrastructure, said Lim.
The state is strengthening efforts to prepare for a rapidly ageing population through age-friendly planning, improved care services and greater collaboration between the public and private sectors, said Lim.
She said this at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Eden at Botanica CT and AIA Pension and Asset Management at Gurney Bay Hotel.
Lim said population ageing should be embraced and planned for, rather than a social disorder, which must be tolerated or, to some degree, ignored.
Individuals aged 65 and above currently make up about eight per cent of Malaysia’s population, with those aged 60 and above projected to account for almost one-fifth of the population by 2040.
Lim said that Penang’s participation in the World Health Organisation’s Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities reflects the state’s commitment to creating more inclusive and liveable environments for all generations.
According to her, initiatives guided by the WHO’s eight domains of age-friendly communities have been implemented through the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) since the state joined the network in 2023.
She added that similar efforts are now being expanded to the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP).
“Many people hear the term ‘age-friendly’ and assume it is only about senior citizens. In reality, when we build a city according to the WHO framework, we create a city that works better for everyone. When sidewalks are safer, older persons benefit. So do children, parents pushing strollers and persons with disabilities."
Lim also highlighted the growing demand for residential care, assisted living facilities and community-based support services for older persons.
To address these challenges, she said the state government has introduced facilitative measures for existing and new aged care operators from March 1 this year until Feb 28, 2027, to encourage the regularisation of facilities and strengthen the care ecosystem.
“These measures are designed to encourage operators to regularise their facilities and become part of a safe, sustainable and properly regulated ecosystem of care."
Describing the partnership between Eden at Botanica CT and AIA Pension and Asset Management as among the first of its kind in Malaysia, Lim commended both organisations for advancing a more holistic approach to ageing and retirement living.
She expressed confidence that the collaboration would serve as a positive benchmark for the future of retirement living in the country. - June 25, 2026.
