PENANG WILL BE the first state in Malaysia to have an aged population; according to a report published by Penang Institute in October,[1] the state is not yet sufficiently equipped to manage these demographic changes. The institute also opined that Penang would need to place more emphasis on age-related policies to sufficiently meet the demands of an ageing population in the future.

The state Executive Councillor of Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs, Lim Siew Khim, has said that Penang has ambitions to become an age-friendly state by December 2027, with a clear and determined vision to address the rapidly ageing population.

Currently, Penang has an elderly (65 years old and above) population of 8%, or 144,000 of its residents, as reported by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM). It also has about 12.7% or 228,400 residents aged 60 and above.

According to the United Nations (UN) definition, an “ageing society” is one in which 7% of the population is 65 or older, 14% in an “aged society”, and 20% in a “super-aged society”. Thus, according to this definition, Penang currently fits within the category of an ageing society.

Lim stresses that the goal is not only about meeting the needs of the elderly, but also ensuring that the environment is inclusive and accessible to people of all ages, particularly older adults and persons with disabilities (OKU).

As published by the DoSM in 2024, Seberang Perai Tengah in Penang is identified as one of 11 newly designated ageing districts, where 7.1% of the population comprises those aged 65 years and over.

“Penang aims to become an age-friendly state by December 2027, and we are committed to improving the quality of life for people of all ages. We envision Penang as a place where everyone—including the elderly and disabled (OKU)—can live independently, access the facilities they need, and actively engage in their communities,” Lim says.

What Is An Age-friendly State?

Being an age-friendly state goes beyond offering services to the elderly, explains Lim. It is about ensuring that the infrastructure, policies and community services are tailored to meet the needs of older people.

“An age-friendly state caters to the needs of all age groups, and prioritises the well-being of older residents by creating inclusive environments that foster active ageing.”

The ultimate aim is to ensure that older people remain healthy, socially connected and independent for as long as possible, while also fostering respect for older individuals and recognising their valuable contributions to society, she elaborates.

To achieve this, Penang is following the framework and guidelines set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) under its Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. The framework identifies eight key domains: outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, as well as community support and health services.

“Our goal is to excel across these domains, ensuring accessibility, inclusivity and quality services tailored to the needs of older adults.” Lim explains that in Penang, many older people experience physical and sensory impairments. By integrating universal design principles, the government ensures accessibility for both the elderly and the OKU.

The data provided in Figure 2 shows that 41,267 persons are living with various disabilities in the state. Of these, over 16,000 have physical disabilities, nearly 4,000 people have problems with their sight, over 3,000 struggle with hearing, and about 2,500 people have mental disabilities.

Forward-looking policies and programmes are being implemented to address the needs of the elderly and the OKU communities by recognising the “integral role older people play in our society”.

The Penang state government’s age-friendly initiatives also align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those that promote health, well-being and reduced inequalities. Lim also acknowledges the importance of economic considerations, and believes that active ageing reduces healthcare costs while enabling healthy elderly individuals and OKUs to contribute to the economy.

The state government is focusing on enhancing accessibility in several areas, including public spaces and infrastructure such as parks, walkways and community centres. Plans are also underway to expand accessible public transportation options as well as strengthen geriatric services and community-based care. As for housing, age-friendly housing designs and retrofitting are being carried out in existing residences.

Digital access is equally crucial in establishing Penang as an age-friendly city. Initiatives to bridge the digital divide, such as providing older people with skills and tools for digital connectivity, are being carried out. Additionally, programmes are organised to promote active ageing and social participation.

All these forward-thinking measures put Penang at the forefront of addressing the challenges of an ageing population, besides serving as a model for other states in the country.

“While other states are beginning to recognise the importance of age-friendly policies, Penang has already made significant strides in implementing programmes that promote active ageing. We see this as an opportunity to lead by example and inspire other states to adopt similar measures.”

One such initiative is the Program Khidmat Bantu di Rumah (KBDR), a form of “buddy system”, which supports elderly citizens and OKUs living alone. Through this initiative, trained volunteers provide support by conducting home visits, assisting with daily tasks like meal preparation, house cleaning, attending medical appointments and offering companionship.

“This programme reduces reliance on institutional care and also strengthens community-driven support,” says Lim.

Footnote

[1] https://penanginstitute.org/publications/issues/a-sustainable-active-ageing-policy-for-penang/