Malaysia is nearing a demographic tipping point as its population ages, and the proportion of elderly citizens increases. The share of people aged 60 and above rose to 11.6% in 2024 and continues to climb. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), the elderly cohort is expanding steadily over the next two decades. By 2030, 15% of Malaysians will be aged above 60 which classifies the country as an ageing nation.
By 2040,
older Malaysians will form nearly 17% or 6.4 million of the people exceeding 60
years of age. When 2050 comes, the gains in life expectancy will have pushed
the country into an even older demographic profile and the lack of
senior-friendly housing raises an urgent question: Where and how will seniors
live?
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org
For generations, the traditional expectation was for parents to live in their children's homes as they aged. However, shrinking household sizes, children moving to cities or abroad and increasing life expectancy make this model is less feasible. Instead, Malaysians will need a coherent, nationwide network of safe, affordable housing options that allow them to age independently, accessible and linked to care. Without that network, too many older Malaysians will face isolation or expensive, last-resort care.
Purpose-built senior communities such as Sunway Healthcare Group’s Sunway Sanctuary in Bandar Sunway offers 235 serviced suites that blend accommodation with wellness programs, medical support, dining and social activities. Monthly rental starts at RM8,050, placing it within the luxury category. Meanwhile, in Cheras, Komune Living and Wellness, managed by UOA Hospitality Sdn Bhd, offers a mix of daycare and live-in options for seniors. Projects like Green Acres Retirement Village in Ipoh and Eden-on-the-Park in Sarawak provide resort-style retirement communities. These projects demonstrate good practice but also underline the problem: most are priced for the affluent.
The real challenge lies in addressing the needs of the middle-income segment, which makes up most of Malaysia’s population and such sentiment is beginning to be noticed by developers. The demand is not just for more houses. It is about designing homes and building spaces that foster a spirit of togetherness and community for older adults as well as those in need of care and assistance.
Private developers are eager but cautious when it comes to senior living. While industry players are calling for clearer guidance and supportive policies to enable large-scale development of senior housing, regulation is gradually evolving. The government has taken steps to prepare for an ageing society.
Regulation is gradually evolving. The Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040 calls for special housing for the elderly, including independent living and nursing care facilities. New public housing projects now require universal design features with ground-floor units prioritised for elderly and disabled residents.
The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has drafted a Senior Citizens Bill, expected to be tabled in Parliament soon. If approved, it will establish a clearer framework for senior living, set safety standards and regulations, plus provide a foundation for public-private collaboration to thrive.
Despite interest from developers, several barriers stand in the way with cost being a primary obstacle. Universal design and integrated care facilities raise construction and operating costs. Without targeted incentives such as tax breaks, land grants or funding programs may drive these projects to become expensive for regular retirees.
It is
evident that Malaysia cannot delay action. Without timely intervention, the gap
between need and supply will widen and many seniors will end up in unsuitable
housing or forced into costly private care. While industry players are
united and urge for clear legislation, government incentives must keep prices
reasonable, a cultural shift also must happen among Malaysians to normalise
senior living as a positive lifestyle choice rather a last resort. If
pieces fall into place, turning a demographic challenge into a national
opportunity then Malaysia’s housing market could be transformed into an active,
healthy and dignified ageing population.
Reference:
Malaysia’s silver generation needs senior living, Pavither Sidhu, The Star, 3 October 2025
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