Ageing Districts in Malaysia!

Eleven districts in Malaysia have been identified as ageing districts, where 7% of the population comprise those aged 65 years and over, according to a report by the Statistics Department. The report presents the population estimates at the state and administrative district levels for 2023 and 2024.

The districts are Beluru, Telang Usan and Mukah in Sarawak; Kuala Langat, Sepang and Kuala Selangor in Selangor; Muallim in Perak; Tenom in Sabah; Seberang Perai Tengah in Penang; Tumpat in Kelantan, and Segamat in Johor. According to the National Policy for Older Persons, a population is classified as ageing when those aged 60 and above comprise 15% of the population.

Source: https://www.wikiimpact.com

The highest number of Malaysians aged up to 14 years as of 2023 was recorded in three districts, all in Kelantan. They are Kecil Lojing (33.8%), Gua Musang (33.4%) and Tumpat (32.3%). The highest percentage of working-age people (15-64 years) were recorded in Sebauh, Sarawak at 79.5%, Kinabatangan, Sabah (78.4%), and Belaga, Sarawak (78.3%).

Petaling in Selangor was the most populous district in 2024 with 2.4 million people, followed by Johor Bahru, Johor (1.8 million), and Ulu Langat, Selangor (1.5 million). Three districts in Sarawak were the least populated. They are Tanjung Manis with 7,900 people, Song (10,300) and Bukit Mabong (10,600). He added that the Kinabatangan and Kalabakan districts in Sabah recorded the highest population growth rate at 9.6%, followed by Cameron Highlands, Pahang at 8.4%.

The policy implications are tremendous. With an ageing population, we need rules, guidelines for care homes and a regulatory unit at each district. In some city councils or municipalities there are guidelines and permits needed but are they being followed? I have a care home next to my house. I objected to it because a residential area cannot just have care homes, kindies, legal firms, medical clinics and the rest of it. You could do that if you re-designate the area to commercial. DBKL has done that in Bangsar. Actually, I am not sure if Lorong Maarof is re-designated but you do have restaurants, kindies, day-care etc. in what used to be single/double-storey bungalows. Could we not put some rigour, thought and feedback to what we could agree on with changing demographics?

Reference:

11 ageing districts identified nationwide, says statistics dept, FMT/Bernama, 30 August 2024