Preparing for an aged Malaysia
This demographic shift brings a burning question: Will this growing number of seniors place a severe and unsustainable demand on our country's health and social care systems?
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New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Mental health disorders a 'ticking time bomb' for Malaysia's youth, warns MP
KUALA LUMPUR: Mental health disorders pose a serious and growing threat to Malaysia's younger generation, said Jelebu member of parliament Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias. During the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan in the Dewan Rakyat today, Jalaluddin said mental health issues also contribute to bullying cases in schools. He said the statistics on mental health among children are alarming, with 4.6 per cent of individuals aged 15 and above experiencing symptoms of depression, and 16.5 per cent of children aged between five and 15 suffering from mental health problems. "Many of the bullying cases involve primary and secondary school pupils bullying other students. "What does this mean? It points to issues of mental health and mental disorders. "We must not treat this as a trivial matter, because it is a ticking time bomb for our generation," he said. Following this, he called on the government to take action and upgrade the status of psychiatrists and psychologists so they can perform their duties effectively. He said that since 2020, the contracts of psychologists and psychiatrists have been extended three times, with their duties expanded beyond their original scope. He also said they are still employed under a contract for service and have not been classified as civil servants. "This means that any aid or bonuses received by civil servants are not available to this group, as they are employed under a contract for service rather than a contract of service. "In Negri Sembilan alone, we only have nine officers under contract for service to assist, and they are stationed at hospitals and district health clinics," he said.
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Bandar Kuching MP calls for end to contract doctor system
KUALA LUMPUR: The welfare of healthcare workers took centre stage in Parliament today during debates on the 13th Malaysia Plan. Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen of Bandar Kuching urged the government to scrap the contract system for doctors to tackle staff shortages in Ministry of Health facilities. He stressed that those with over three years of service, especially in rural areas, should receive permanent positions promptly. Yii also called for faster increases in on-call allowances and special emoluments for medical staff. Dr Halimah Ali from Kapar highlighted the need for systemic reforms in transfers, working hours, and pay within the healthcare sector. She suggested inter-ministerial talks to improve work-life balance for health workers. Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan of Kuala Pilah warned that modern facilities remain underutilised without adequate staffing. He proposed linking health project approvals under the 13MP to workforce deployment plans, particularly in rural areas. Adnan emphasised the need for realistic staffing projections alongside new hospital or clinic developments. The Dewan Rakyat session will continue tomorrow. – Bernama
Focus Malaysia
8 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
Healthcare sector remains positive, driven by rising aged care demand, investment opportunities.
MALAYSIA faces a major demographic shift, with the elderly (65+) rising from 8% in 2025 to 18.3% by 2060, making it an aged society by 2048. 'This ageing trend, coupled with slower population growth and a shrinking workforce, will strain healthcare, fiscal sustainability, and social infrastructure,' said MBSB Research. Challenges include escalating healthcare costs, inadequate retirement savings, caregiver shortages, and unregistered aged care facilities, all of which could erode care quality and increase inequality. Healthcare demand will surge due to longer lifespans and the prevalence of chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and dementia, driving up costs. Government health spending has grown at 6.4% annually, with aged care costs ranging from RM1.5k–12k per month. The private sector, including developers like Sunway, UOA, and IGB, is pioneering premium senior living facilities. The 'silver economy' offers growth in gerontechnology, wellness services, financial products, and senior tourism. However, Malaysia's aged care sector is fragmented, with a mix of government, private, and charity providers, and over 700 unregistered facilities. Policy responses, including the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and National Ageing Blueprint, aim to create a sustainable long-term care ecosystem, boost skilled caregivers to 50k by 2030, expand social protection, and build age-friendly infrastructure. Key recommendations include: Strengthening and standardising aged care regulations. Expediting hybrid EPF payouts and promoting financial literacy. Addressing caregiver shortages via better wages, training, and migration programmes. Investing in gerontechnology and hybrid care models combining home, day, and institutional care. Enhancing urban planning for accessibility. The outlook for Malaysia's healthcare sector remains positive, driven by rising aged care demand and investment opportunities. With coordinated policy execution, public-private collaboration, and technology adoption, Malaysia can transform its demographic challenge into a driver of economic growth and improved quality of life for its ageing population. —Aug 12, 2025 Main image: iStock
