Ageing society will deeply affect healthcare and workforce, says EPF chairman

The Star

17-06-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The demographic transformation of Malaysia's ageing society will have a profound effect on the healthcare systems, workforce, and social fabric, says Employees Provident Fund (EPF) chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.
He pointed out that older individuals are not simply recipients of care but also contributors, consumers, caregivers, volunteers and mentors.
'Longer lives also open up new frontiers. The rise of the longevity economy, shaped by the contributions, consumption and experience of older adults, is an opportunity for innovation," he said at the International Social Wellbeing Conference (ISWC) 2025 here on Tuesday (June 17).
'It extends beyond pensions and healthcare to encompass how we design cities, structure workforces, build inclusive technologies, and promote lifelong learning and active ageing.
'As such, our policies and systems must empower them to continue participating meaningfully in society, well into later life,' he said during his welcoming remarks.
ALSO READ: EPF CEO says retirement systems must evolve
ISWC 2025, themed "Living to a Hundred: Are We Prepared?", was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Also present were Finance Minister II Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, EPF chief executive officer Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn, Cabinet ministers, senior government officials, and members of the EPF board and investment panel.
As of 2023, 7.5% of Malaysians were aged 65 and above; by 2043, this number will nearly double to 14%, and by 2058, more than one in five Malaysians will be 65 or older.
To address this, the EPF is advancing pension system reforms and financial innovation.
In December, it introduced the Retirement Income Adequacy (RIA) Framework, enabling members to assess their retirement readiness across three tiers: basic, adequate and enhanced.
An intergenerational transfer feature, announced in Budget 2025, will allow members to allocate part of their savings to support their family members' retirement.
ALSO READ: Women receive less retirement income than men, says expert
The EPF is also enhancing support for informal workers through its i-Saraan programme, which now offers a 20% government matching incentive, capped at RM500 annually and RM5,000 over a lifetime.
Last year, the number of voluntary contributors grew by 32% to 1.2 million with more than 800,000 or close to 70% of contributors being individuals outside the formal labour force, comprising gig workers and other types of informal employment, contributing a total of RM13.7bil.
Of these, more than 520,000 members contributed to i-Saraan, with total contributions amounting to RM2.6bil.
'We recognise that financial security is the bedrock of meaningful retirement. Planning for longevity starts with an honest understanding of the income required for a long and fulfilling life.
'We also acknowledge that retirement readiness is no longer an individual pursuit but a shared responsibility among families.
"In this spirit, a new intergenerational savings transfer feature will be introduced by the end of this year, allowing family members to contribute to each other's retirement security.
'This reflects a more collaborative approach to long-term financial planning,' Zuki said.
ALSO READ: Modern economy creates new insecure social class, says expert
The event is jointly organised by the EPF, the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister's Department and the Finance Ministry to catalyse ideas and policies around the longevity economy.
Prominent participants of this year's ISWC include former prime minister of Sweden Fredrik Reinfeldt, Basic Income Earth Network founding member and honorary co-president Prof Guy Standing, World Economic Forum Longevity Economy lead Haleh Nazeri, and Sunway Centre for Planetary Health director Tan Sri Jemilah Mahmood.