TEN additional districts in Malaysia will be officially recognised as ageing in 2025, according to the latest data released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).
The classification is based on residents aged 65 and above surpassing seven per cent of the total population, in line with United Nations definitions.
The districts newly designated as ageing are Seremban in Negeri Sembilan, Jerantut and Kuantan in Pahang, Kluang and Pontian in Johor, Alor Gajah in Melaka, Bachok in Kelantan, Seberang Perai Selatan in Penang, Subis in Sarawak and Keningau in Sabah.
“This classification means all districts in northern Malaysia are now classified as ageing districts,” said Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, referencing the broader demographic shifts observed in the DOSM's Current Population Estimates, Administrative District, 2025 report.
According to the United Nations, an ageing society is defined as one in which seven per cent of the population is 65 years or older.
This evolves into an aged society at 14 per cent and a super-aged society at 20 per cent. Malaysia’s own National Senior Citizens Policy, however, considers a population ageing once individuals aged 60 and above comprise 15 per cent of the population.
The report also highlighted key demographic trends across the country. Petaling in Selangor remains Malaysia’s most populous district with 2.4 million residents, followed by Johor Bahru (1.8 million) and Ulu Langat (1.5 million).
The fastest growth rate was recorded in Kecil Lojing, Kelantan, at 3.6 per cent.
Youth populations remain concentrated in parts of Kelantan, with Gua Musang, Kecil Lojing and Tumpat showing the highest proportions of children aged 0 to 14.
In contrast, Sebauh in Sarawak leads in working-age population, with 80 per cent aged between 15 and 64. Lubok Antu, also in Sarawak, has the highest share of elderly residents, with 15.7 per cent aged 65 and above.
Ethnic demographics also varied across districts. Setiu in Terengganu has the largest Bumiputera population at 99.8 per cent. Timur Laut in Penang has the highest percentage of Chinese residents at 63.5 per cent, while Bagan Datuk in Perak leads in Indian population share at 23.1 per cent. - October 2, 2025
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