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MALAYSIA is expected to transition into an Aged Nation by 2036, with citizens aged 60 and above projected to constitute 15 per cent of the total population.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri stated that current Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) data estimates the country's population at 34.4 million, with senior citizens accounting for 4.2 million or 12.3 per cent.
Addressing attendees at the National Senior Citizens Day 2026 celebration in Melaka, Nancy emphasised the necessity of robust preparation across eldercare, public health, employment, and financial security sectors.
She declared that the government does not view senior citizens as a burden, but rather as valuable national assets who preserve experience, bridge generational divides, and drive value-based development.
To bolster social support systems, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) is expanding age-friendly community initiatives and Senior Citizens Activity Centres (PAWE) under the National Policy for Senior Citizens.
Nancy revealed that through the Senior Citizen Assistance Scheme (BWE), RM711.8 million has been disbursed to 171,236 eligible recipients as of July, providing RM600 in monthly targeted relief.
The ministry is also formulating the Strategic Framework and Care Action Plan 2026–2030 to establish professional caregiving standards, bridge expertise gaps, and introduce industry incentives promoting Ageing-in-Place practices nationwide. - October 4, 2026
