Mayor: S’wak among top 3 states in M’sia with largest number of senior citizens

KUCHING (Oct 5): Sarawak is among the top three states with the largest number of senior citizens in the country, said Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.

According to him, statistics showed Sarawak recorded a total of 694,000 senior citizens, contributing to 14 per cent of its total population.

“Based on statistics, Kuching has 96,600 people aged from 60 to 85 while Bau and Lundu recorded 8,200 and 4,700 senior citizens respectively,” he said at the International Day of Older Persons 2024 here today.

Wee said Malaysia has been regarded as an ageing nation since 2021, with over seven per cent of the country’s population aged 65 and above.

“The United Nations has projected this percentage will exceed 14 per cent by 2046, indicating our transition into an aged nation. But some experts believe it could happen even sooner, as early as 2035,” he said.

He noted that the International Day of Older Persons, which was officially declared in 1991, is celebrated on Oct 1 every year.

According to him, this day serves as a reminder of the immense value and wisdom that seniors bring to the society.

“This year’s theme, ‘The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide’, emphasises the immense need for a robust healthcare and support system in our nation to ensure all seniors can age with dignity and respect,” he pointed out.

Wee called upon all to advocate for policies promoting ageing with dignity, respect and support. To achieve this vision, he said the government, community organisations, private sector and citizens alike must work together.

“We must strive to create an environment where older persons are valued, empowered and included, where they can actively participate in community life and receive the care and support they deserve,” he added.

The celebration was organised by the Sarawak Heart Centre Geriatric Unit in the hope of seeing everyone grow older in the comfort of their own homes, with the people and communities they know and love.