SHAH ALAM, Oct 29 — The rising number of senior citizens in Selangor has raised concerns, as many are at risk of falling into poverty due to inadequate retirement savings and the escalating cost of living.
State executive councillor for women empowerment and social welfare Anfaal Saari said recent data has revealed that the average Employees Provident Fund (EPF) savings among those aged between 50 and 54 stand at only RM48,311.
This amount is far from sufficient, as the estimated monthly living cost for a senior citizen is now around RM2,690.
“Imagine how they are expected to survive until the average life expectancy of 78 years. The amount considered comfortable is around RM390,000, so the gap is huge,” she said as a guest on Media Selangor’s 'Bicara Semasa' programme recently.
Anfaal added that the situation is even more worrying as many elderly people have lost a stable source of income, while healthcare costs continue to rise.
Although the Federal government has increased the allocation for senior citizen assistance from RM600 million to RM1.26 billion, the amount remains insufficient compared to actual needs and the gross domestic product (GDP) ratio.
“We must see this issue as a shared responsibility. Not all senior citizens have sufficient contributions or family support, so social policies need to be restructured to protect them,” she said.
State budget's focus: Training and boosting investment in the care sector
Leading up to the 2026 Selangor Budget next month, the councillor said the state government is focusing on two key agendas: strengthening training for informal caregivers and encouraging private investment in the care sector.
“We want informal caregivers to receive proper training and recognition through courses and certification so they can secure stable employment opportunities,” Anfaal said.
She also proposed that the Federal government grant private care centre operators an eight per cent Sales and Service Tax (SST) exemption to attract investment in the sector.
Doing so is expected to help drive the growth of the care industry as a new economic sector in Selangor while creating job opportunities, particularly for women and the M40 group.
Anfaal emphasised that the state government’s goal is not only to prepare for an ageing population but also to ensure every senior citizen enjoys an active, healthy, and dignified life.
“All of us will go through this phase one day. It is therefore our shared responsibility to ensure Selangor remains a compassionate and inclusive state for all age groups,” she said.
