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THE Government has called for a fundamental shift in the way Malaysia approaches ageing, urging policymakers to move beyond treating longevity as a mere demographic trend.
Delivering the keynote address at the International Social Wellbeing Conference (ISWC) 2025, themed ‘Living to a Hundred: Are We Prepared?’, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government must treat increasing life expectancy as a structural transformation, requiring proactive reform in healthcare, social protection and economic systems.
“To be an initiative-taking leader, we must invest in health systems, social care, housing, financial tools and industries that serve an ageing society,” he said.
“This is a wake-up call to place a heavier emphasis on investing in our health, particularly in preventive care, public health education and community-based support systems. We must shift from a system that treats disease to one that promotes lifelong wellness.”
The Prime Minister warned that while Malaysians are living longer, many are not living well. Current health-adjusted life expectancy figures reveal a nine-year gap marked by poor health, disability or reduced quality of life.
Anwar also referenced the growing importance of the global longevity economy, expected to surpass USD65 trillion (approximately RM275.8 trillion) by 2030, stressing Malaysia must position itself strategically to respond to this shift.
Highlighting the government’s commitment, he pointed to the RM45.3 billion allocation for healthcare in Budget 2025 and reforms outlined in the Health White Paper, such as mandatory medicine price transparency at private healthcare facilities.
Bernama cited him saying the Rakan KKM initiative represents a “whole-of-nation” approach, uniting public bodies with strategic investors like the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and other government-linked investment companies (GLICs).
EPF Commended
Separately Anwar said: “The involvement of the EPF and other GLICs signals a strong public-private partnership focused on enhancing healthcare infrastructure, accessibility and quality, creating a system that can support all Malaysians,” he said.
Anwar, who is also Minister of Finance, went on to commend the EPF’s efforts in exploring innovative approaches to enhance retirement adequacy.
“We have to recognise and acknowledge that EPF has done remarkably well and they are continuing to explore new approaches to enhance retirement adequacy,” he said.
With people living longer, he argued the national focus must evolve from lump-sum savings to sustainable retirement income.
“We must also begin thinking about how to build a system that reflects greater solidarity, particularly for those with limited lifetime earnings. In our government’s vision, no Malaysian should grow old in fear of poverty, fear of abandonment or fear of irrelevance,” he said.
The conference was attended by senior figures including Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and EPF Chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali. - June 17, 2025
