PETALING JAYA: The country will see more elderly people than children in 15 years, according to the Statistics Department (DOSM).
By 2039, the population of senior citizens is projected to surpass the number of children under 14, with the elderly population expected to reach 6.17 million, while children under 14 will be around 6.11 million.
This shift marks a significant demographic change for the country.
Speaking at the launch of DOSM’s MyAgeing Dashboard last Friday, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin explained how the dashboard provides easy access to vital statistics on the population’s age structure, ageing trends and life expectancy at national and district levels.
The Chief Statistician said that 11.6% of Malaysia’s population is over 60 years old, a substantial rise from 5.4% in 1970.
He said this proportion is expected to increase further to 17.3% by 2040.
He said the MyAgeing Dashboard brings together data from various primary sources, such as population estimates, census data, vital statistics and administrative records from ministries and government agencies.
“These statistics can be used as a primary input in the formation, implementation and monitoring of national policies, especially those related to the ageing population,” he said.
It includes detailed demographic information by gender, ethnic groups, fertility rates and marriage statistics, updated as new data becomes available.
The dashboard can be accessed via www.dosm.gov.my/MyAgeing.
Alliance For A Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the latest figures by DOSM show that the rising lifespan of senior citizens is partly due to healthier lifestyles and fewer children being born.
He called for clear policies to support older people, including more government programmes and employment opportunities for seniors still able to work.
“Many senior citizens still have responsibilities, including supporting their families,” Lee added.
On the subject of ageing, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative Malaysia Dr Julitta Onabanjo, in her National Day message, also noted the recommendations and observations by the Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (Cedaw).
She emphasised the importance of adopting a “Care Economy” and improving the country’s care infrastructure to meet the needs of its ageing population.
Meanwhile, Dr Azreen Ilias, a senior lecturer at the Accounting and Finance Department of Universiti Tenaga Nasional (Uniten), said that Malaysia is experiencing significant demographic changes where there is an increasing number of senior citizens.
Therefore, she said that caregivers play a critical role in supporting the elderly and acknowledging their physical and emotional challenges.
She said supporting caregivers through programmes and grants would not only improve their well-being but also enhance the care given to senior citizens, potentially reducing mortality rates.
“Increasing the capacity for elderly care centres, equipped to handle physical and psychological conditions, is also essential for this endeavour,” Azreen said.
