PENANG is expected to become an aged society by 2040, when 14 to 19 per cent of its population reaches the older age segment.
"When one ages, there is a special need for social interaction to healthcare and care facilities, besides caregivers.
“Hence, Penang welcomes the initiative by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim under Budget 2027 to set up a National Integrated Care Centre of Excellence (NICE) in Penang,” said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
The centre will be established in Penang and Sarawak to support elderly care services, training, and research.
Penang reached the threshold to be classified as an ageing society in 2023 when 7.7 per cent of its total population reached the age of 65 and older, surpassing the national benchmark of seven per cent.
NICE is a welcome addition to the state in view that Penang will become an ageing society soon or actually now, he said.
The needs of the old are different from the other generations, said Chow after presenting certificates to individuals and groups who are officially declared state heritage assets at the Cititel Hotel.
A total of 35 cultural intangible items, including food delights, were declared and gazetted as state heritage classics.
The state government gazetted 35 heritage items under the Penang State Heritage Enactment 2011 (comprising seven cultural heritage/intangible arts items and 28 traditional food items), which was later expanded to 50 total items (including 15 heritage sites).
Next year, the state heritage commissioner Zalena Abdul Aziz plans to elevate the list to a total of 70 items of both tangible and intangible significance. - October 10, 2026.
