Ageing Population: 10 more districts in Malaysia

 

Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said in a statement recently that ten more districts have been classified as ageing, with residents aged 65 and above reaching 7%. The districts are Seremban (Negri Sembilan), Jerantut and Kuantan (Pahang), Kluang and Pontian (Johor), Alor Gajah (Melaka), Bachok (Kelantan), Seberang Perai Selatan (Penang), Subis (Sarawak) and Keningau (Sabah). 

The United Nations defines three stages of ageing: an ageing society when 7% of the ­population is aged 65 and above, an aged society at 14%, and a super-aged society at 20%. However, the National Senior Citizens Policy defines ageing as when those aged 60 and above make up 15% of the ­population.

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

Petaling district in Selangor had the highest population in 2025 at 2.4 million, followed by Johor Baru (1.8 million) and Ulu Langat in Selangor (1.5 million). Kecil Lojing in Kelantan recorded the highest growth rate at 3.6%, followed by Marang (1.6%) and Kemaman (1.4%) in Terengganu. Bukit Mabong recorded the ­lowest population at 10,700, ­followed by Song (10,400) and Tanjung Manis (7,900). All three districts are in Sarawak. Lubok Antu in Sarawak registered the highest percentage of the population aged 65 and over, at 15.7%. 

On ethnic composition, Mohd Uzir said Setiu (Terengganu) recorded the highest composition of bumiputeras at 99.8%, followed by Nabawan (Sabah) at 99.6% and Hulu Terengganu at 99.4%. The highest composition of Chinese was recorded in the north-east district (Penang) with 63.5%, followed by Sibu (Sarawak) with 48% and Kampar (Perak) with 47.7%. As for Indians, the highest ­composition was recorded in Bagan Datuk (Perak) at 23.1%, followed by Klang (Selangor) at 18.6% and Port Dickson (Negri Sembilan) at 18.2%. 

With ageing comes independence or dependence. In an Asian society, it is usually seen as the duty of the children to care for their parents in old age. But this has become difficult in an urban setting, limited financial resources and/or family dynamics. There is a need for community living with medical and other support level made available. At the high-end of RM8,000 (and above) per month facilities like the Sanctuary at Sunway cater to the well-to-do. And those who prefer a village, may stay at Green Acres in Ipoh for example. But what about the less fortunate. They make do in commercial old folks homes at RM2,500 or below. And some others live in government welfare homes. Hearing their stories, (sometimes) it is sad! 

Reference:

10 more districts in Malaysia with ageing population, The Star, 3 October 2025