14pc Malaysians would be those aged 65 and above in 2048.

 

Information and photo by Sabah Information department 

KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia’s demographic shifts are showing a significant aging trend, with the country expected to officially become an aging nation by 2048. With 14% of the population projected to be aged 65 and above, early planning is now required to address long-term social and economic impacts.

Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Chairperson of the Welfare Association of Wives of Harapan Leaders (KASIH Malaysia), stated that this projection coincides with declining birth and marriage rates. These trends carry major implications for family structures, the workforce, and national social support systems.

According to her, the strengthening of family institutions must be continuously driven as the core of community well-being and national stability in facing these demographic challenges.

"Malaysia is expected to become an aging nation with 14% of the population aged 65 and above, while birth and marriage rates continue to decline," she said during her speech at the closing ceremony of the Inspirasi Keluarga Madani Seminar on Saturday.

Dr. Wan Azizah noted that these statistics reflect new challenges requiring families to balance the demands of career, economy, and technology with the need to build harmonious family relationships based on love, etiquette, and noble values.

She also emphasized that the family serves as the primary defense in forming a prosperous society, including filtering out negative influences, particularly those arriving through technology and social media.

"The loss of quality time with family due to gadget dependency is becoming increasingly worrying, as interaction among family members diminishes," she said, describing the situation where family members sit together but remain occupied with their phones as a reality that must be addressed collectively.

In the context of public policy, Dr. Wan Azizah explained that while the government can formulate policies regarding children under 16, the most effective monitoring and education still begin within the family institution itself.

The closing ceremony was also attended by Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, wife of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah, and Datuk Juliah Salag, President of MUTIARA-GRS. Participants from various backgrounds attended the event as part of efforts to raise awareness regarding family issues in the era of the country's demographic changes.