Kampar leads Malaysia in ageing population: 12.6pc of population aged 65 and above by 2025

IPOH, August 18 — Kampar district in Perak has the highest percentage of senior citizens in Malaysia, with 12.6% of its population aged 65 and above by 2025, according to the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN). Deputy chairman Juwairiya Zulkifli highlighted that this figure exceeds the national average of 8% and Perak's own proportion of 10.2%, highlighting the ageing population as a significant demographic issue for the district.

Factors contributing to Kampar's ageing trend include increased life expectancy and migration of younger residents to urban areas for employment, leaving older individuals behind. Some retirees even return to Kampar for a more peaceful life. Perak currently leads in the number of residents aged 65 and above nationwide, followed by Kedah, Sarawak, Perlis, and Penang.

The state's overall population growth remains modest at 0.2% annually, while the proportion of those aged 60 and above rose from 14.9% in 2024 to 15.3% in 2025. Juwairiya emphasized the need for a specialized care-economy policy and standardized regulations for senior care centers, noting inconsistencies in regulations across different regions.

She also stressed the importance of implementing the recently introduced Social Workers Act to ensure qualified caregivers. Government agencies, private organizations, and NGOs must bolster support systems for senior citizens as Malaysia progresses further into an ageing nation.