{
  "id": 18412896,
  "title": "Nearly half of older Malaysians expect to keep working",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/nearly-half-of-older-malaysians-expect-to-keep-working-18412896",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-06T00:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/11/06/nearly-half-of-older-malaysians-expect-to-keep-working"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nearly half of the Malaysian population surveyed by RinggitPlus anticipates continuing their professional lives beyond the traditional retirement age, sparking discussions on financial readiness and the concept of a fulfilling retirement. Historically, retirement has signified the culmination of years of labor, granting individuals the opportunity to unwind from work-related duties and relish a more leisurely existence. However, the survey reveals that a significant portion of Malaysians may not entirely bid farewell to work upon reaching the retirement age.\n\nIn the online poll involving 3,005 Malaysian adults released on October 22, 38.7% of respondents anticipate engaging in part-time employment post-retirement, while 12.9% perceive never retiring as a possibility. An additional 6% identified with both options, showcasing the diverse perspectives on the future work landscape. The survey does not definitively clarify whether respondents' intentions for continued work stem from financial necessities, personal satisfaction, or a blend of both factors.\n\nThe prospect of generating income during later years assumes particular importance when juxtaposed with Malaysians' expectations of retirement savings. The survey disclosed that 48% of respondents relied on the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF), while 44% counted on personal savings or investments separate from the fund. Other potential income sources included rental or property earnings, cited by 18%, and financial assistance from children, mentioned by 14%.\n\nThrough its Belanjawanku expenditure guide, EPF has furnished a reference for comprehending the financial resources essential to maintain diverse lifestyles at the age of 60. Basic needs, an adequate retirement income, and greater financial security are estimated to require RM390,000, RM650,000, and RM1.3 million, respectively. The basic savings benchmark is being implemented incrementally, initiating at RM270,000 this year and reaching RM390,000 by 2030. EPF estimates that a single elderly person in the Klang Valley necessitates approximately RM2,690 monthly to maintain a reasonable quality of life.\n\nThe RinggitPlus findings shed additional light on the motivations behind working beyond retirement age. For some, it offers chances to remain professionally engaged, pursue interests, or bolster existing income. Others may find that additional earnings are crucial for managing daily expenses, supporting dependents, or safeguarding savings for future years. The survey highlights that financial constraints could potentially render a comfortable retirement unattainable for a substantial segment of Malaysians, although it cannot establish a direct correlation between insufficient savings and the expectation of prolonged work.\n\nUltimately, the survey prompts a broader inquiry into the future retirement landscape for Malaysians. For some, retirement may retain its traditional definition of a clear separation from work. For others, a gradual reduction in working hours or a second career could become integral components of a more flexible transition into this new phase of life.",
  "summary": "Recent research suggests many anticipate earning an income beyond retirement age, raising questions about financial preparedness and changing expectations of later life.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}