Is Malaysia Heading Towards An Ageing Society?

 Based on National Census 2020 revealed that the population percentage of senior citizens aged 65 and above has increased significantly in the past two decades. It now stands at 6.8 percent or 2.2 million in 2020 compared to 3.9 percent in 2000.

According to the United Nations standards, a country or region is defined as an ageing society if those aged 65 and above are between seven and 14 percent of the entire population.

Source: https://www.un.org

At the state and federal territories level, four were considered ageing states with the percentage of senior citizens aged 65 and above exceeding seven percent of the local population. Perak topped the list with 8.95 percent, followed by Kedah (7.91 percent), Perlis (7.86 percent) and Sarawak (7.53 percent). Putrajaya, on the other hand, is the “youngest” with 1.41 percent of senior citizens aged 65 and above. The second is Labuan (4.2 percent). Understandable for Putrajaya to be “youngest”, as those retiring will move elsewhere to spend their twilight years!

The situation is in line with the decline in the growth rate. Malaysia's population grew at a slower rate of 1.7 percent a year from 2010 to 2020 compared to 2.2 percent a year between 2000 and 2010.

Most of the states recorded lower growth rates over the last decade compared to between 2000 and 2010. Perlis, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur and Johor, however, recorded a higher growth rate.

Three states registered an average population growth rate of below one percent over the last decade, namely Sarawak 0.2 percent, Perak 0.8 percent and Sabah 0.9 percent.

The highest annual growth rate from 2010 to 2020 was in Putrajaya at 4.8 percent and Selangor  (2.7 percent).

With the fertility rate declining, the average household size decreased from 4.3 to 3.9 over the last decade.

In 2020, Kelantan recorded the highest average household size with 4.9 persons per household followed by Sabah (4.7 persons) and Terengganu (4.1 persons). Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur recorded the lowest at 3.5 persons.

The above have implications on economic focus – there is need for good retirement villages like in Florida or Australia. Retirement age may need to be raised to 65. Lifestyle and wellness programs could be helpful for seniors. Food, drugs and medical requirements could be areas that companies could avail themselves. And better regulations and guidelines required for those running retirement homes and helpers working in those homes. Cases of abuse are hardly reported because many have dementia or family members just overlook them. The whole area of age and age-related needs begs for a masterplan.

Reference:

Census 2020: M’sia heading towards an ageing society, Ooi Choon Nam, https://newslab.malaysiakini.com