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

Malaysia is projected to become an aged country by 2048, prompting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to propose that Malaysians should have the choice to continue working past the age of 60. Currently, the minimum retirement age for the private sector and a mandatory retirement age for civil servants is 60 years. During his speech at the International Social Wellbeing Conference 2026, Anwar stressed that while raising the minimum retirement age is a crucial step, policymakers must also focus on giving older individuals the option to work beyond 60 with a sense of purpose and agency.

He emphasized that those who are physically and mentally capable should be allowed to continue their careers on terms that respect their circumstances, thereby retaining valuable experience and knowledge for the benefit of organizations. Anwar highlighted examples of older people contributing meaningfully to society, such as mentors, family supporters, and community leaders.

The Prime Minister made it clear that the goal is to ensure every Malaysian can age with dignity, security, good health, and purpose, while also bridging the gap between policy and implementation.