PENANG is strengthening efforts to prepare for a rapidly ageing population through age-friendly planning, improved care services and greater collaboration between the public and private sectors, says state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim.
Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Eden at Botanica CT and AIA Pension and Asset Management at Gurney Bay Hotel today, Lim said population ageing should be viewed as a reality to be embraced and planned for, rather than a problem to be solved.
“Penang is among the states experiencing demographic ageing most rapidly. However, we do not view ageing as a problem to be solved.
“We view it as a reality to be embraced and planned for,” she said in her speech.
Lim noted that individuals aged 65 and above currently make up about eight per cent of Malaysia’s population, with those aged 60 and above projected to account for almost one-fifth of the population by 2040.
She said Penang’s participation in the World Health Organization’s Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities reflects the state’s commitment to creating more inclusive and liveable environments for all generations.
According to her, initiatives guided by the WHO’s eight domains of age-friendly communities have been implemented through the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) since the state joined the network in 2023.
She added that similar efforts are now being expanded to the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP).
“Many people hear the term ‘age-friendly’ and assume it is only about senior citizens. In reality, when we build a city according to the WHO framework, we create a city that works better for everyone.
“When sidewalks are safer, older persons benefit. So do children, parents pushing strollers and persons with disabilities,” she said.
Lim also highlighted the growing demand for residential care, assisted living facilities and community-based support services for older persons.
She acknowledged that operators often face challenges in obtaining registrations and meeting regulatory requirements, including planning approvals, building standards and licensing processes.
To address these challenges, she said the Penang government has introduced facilitative measures for existing and new operators from March 1 this year until Feb 28, 2027, to encourage the regularisation of facilities and strengthen the care ecosystem.
“These measures are designed to encourage operators to regularise their facilities and become part of a safe, sustainable and properly regulated ecosystem of care,” she said.
Lim stressed that the challenges posed by demographic change require a whole-of-society approach involving healthcare providers, financial institutions, developers, community organisations and families.
“Housing, healthcare, retirement planning and community support can no longer operate in silos. They must be integrated in ways that empower people to age confidently, independently and with dignity,” she said.
Describing the partnership between Eden at Botanica CT and AIA Pension and Asset Management as among the first of its kind in Malaysia, Lim commended both organisations for advancing a more holistic approach to ageing and retirement living.
She expressed confidence that the collaboration would serve as a positive benchmark for the future of retirement living in the country.
Eden at Botanica CT director Datuk Seri Kenny Ong extended commitment to building a holistic ecosystem that supports healthy and active ageing.
MTT Group of Companies Group Property and Asset director Leonard Theng said the partnership is an important step towards advancing a more holistic approach to senior living.
Also present during the event were AIA Pension and Asset Management Sdn Bhd general manager Nur Aini Ali Kasim.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siew Chia En