PM: Malaysians should have the choice to work past 60, ageing population needs options

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for Malaysia to allow people the option to work beyond the age of 60 as the country is expected to become an aged nation by 2048. While the government currently has a minimum retirement age of 60 for the private sector and mandatory retirement at the same age for civil servants, Anwar believes that people should have the choice to continue working past the age of 60, provided they are capable and wish to do so.

The focus should be on ensuring that longer lives are lived with agency, connection, and purpose, Anwar stressed. He pointed out that older people can still provide valuable contributions to society, even if these may not be reflected in economic statistics. Examples include a retired teacher mentoring students, a grandparent supporting a working family, and a community leader strengthening social cohesion.

Anwar emphasized that the government aims to raise the floor by providing adequate savings and sustainable income for retirement, while also raising the ceiling to ensure longer lives are filled with purpose, contribution, and connection.