KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 — The government is focusing on preventing exclusion errors —leaving eligible individuals out of assistance programmes — as part of preparations to address the challenges of an ageing population.
Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the long-term challenge was not only to ensure aid reached those in need, but also to prevent assistance from being given to ineligible recipients.
Preparations for an ageing nation required continuous economic and fiscal policies, as well as coordination of five key pillars under the National Ageing Action Plan (NAB) to safeguard the people’s well-being.
“...we are developing policies to manage the challenges of an ageing population because Malaysia has already become an ageing nation. Based on (the) United Nations' projections, the country is expected to become an aged nation as early as 2043.
“Therefore, many aspects need to be aligned during this period to ensure that when the time comes, the lives and well-being of the people remain protected,” he said during the oral question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Akmal was responding to Jelutong MP RSN Rayer's query on measures to ensure federal assistance is delivered more effectively to the people.
Replying to Merbok MP Mohd Nazri Abu Hassan's query on Malaysia’s preparedness to face an ageing society by 2040, including elderly welfare, healthcare, social protection, and family support, he said the country attained ageing nation status in 2021.
The Malaysia Statistics Department's data indicated that those aged 65 and above currently make up more than seven per cent of the population. The proportion is expected to increase to 10.4 per cent by 2035, following a decline in the total fertility rate from 1.67 to 1.60 during the same period.
Akmal added that the 13th Malaysia Plan had incorporated preparations for an ageing nation through the Ageing Nation Agenda and NAB, which serves as a long-term framework covering five key areas: macroeconomics and fiscal policy, employment and skills, social protection, lifelong health, and long-term care.
“...the government continues to strengthen national policies and action plans for senior citizens, with emphasis on active, healthy, and dignified ageing.
“This includes strengthening family and community support, creating age-friendly environments, improving digital literacy, and promoting lifelong learning.
“The government is also enhancing the long-term care system through community-based care models, the care economy, professional caregiver training, and expanded social protection for vulnerable groups,” he said.
