MALAYSIA is stepping up preparations for an ageing society as the proportion of citizens aged 65 and above is projected to reach 17.3 per cent by 2040, with the government focusing on elderly welfare, healthcare, social protection and family support systems.
Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir told lawmakers in the Dewan Rakyat today that Malaysia had already entered the status of an ageing nation in 2021, when the population aged 65 and above exceeded 7 per cent of the total population.
The trend is expected to continue due to declining fertility rates and longer life expectancy.
Based on projections by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), the share of Malaysians aged 65 and above is expected to increase from 8.0 per cent in 2025 to 10.4 per cent by 2035, while the total fertility rate (TFR) is projected to decline from 1.67 to 1.60 during the same period.
In response to the demographic shift, the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) has incorporated preparations for an ageing society through the National Ageing Agenda (ANM) and the development of the National Ageing Blueprint (NAB).
The blueprint will serve as a long-term framework covering five key areas — macroeconomic and fiscal planning, employment and skills, social protection, lifelong health and long-term care.
The government is expected to table the National Ageing White Paper in Parliament this year, followed by the launch of the National Ageing Blueprint.
On elderly welfare and wellbeing, the government said it would continue strengthening the National Policy for Older Persons and its action plan by promoting active, healthy and dignified ageing.
Efforts will focus on expanding community-based programmes such as the Senior Citizens Activity Centres (PAWE), strengthening family and community support systems, developing age-friendly environments, improving digital literacy and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
The government is also strengthening long-term care systems through community-based care models, development of the care economy, professional caregiver training and expanded social protection coverage for vulnerable groups.
At the same time, efforts will continue to encourage economic participation among productive senior citizens and enhance research related to population ageing.
In healthcare, the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) and the Health White Paper emphasise a lifelong health approach focused on disease prevention, early detection, primary and secondary healthcare services, as well as better coordination between health and social care systems.
The government is also prioritising efforts to maintain the functional abilities of older persons through community programmes, appropriate health interventions and improved access to support services.
For social protection, the government is committed to strengthening the social safety net by improving retirement income adequacy, expanding protection coverage, providing more targeted assistance and enhancing financial literacy throughout the life cycle.
These measures are aimed at ensuring senior citizens have sufficient income and protection when they reach retirement age.
The government also recognises the family institution as the first line of support for elderly citizens.
Under RMK13, emphasis will be placed on strengthening caregiving support services, developing caring communities and encouraging cooperation between the government, private sector, civil society organisations and local communities.
Through a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach, the government said the long-term care ecosystem would continue to be strengthened through expanded community services, development of skilled care workers and wider stakeholder participation.
To ensure effective implementation of the national ageing agenda, the government has established a clear governance mechanism involving lead ministries responsible for each NAB pillar, alongside regular monitoring through platforms including the Malaysian Social Protection Council, National Social Council, Fiscal Policy Committee and National Economic Action Council.
The government said Malaysia would be better prepared to face the realities of an ageing society by 2040 through the implementation of RMK13, the National Ageing Agenda, the National Ageing Blueprint, the National Policy for Older Persons and the Health White Paper.
The ultimate goal is to ensure Malaysians can age in a healthy, active, productive and dignified manner within an inclusive and sustainable society. - July 7, 2026
