As Perak prepares to become the first state in Malaysia to attain ageing status, significant efforts are still needed to accommodate its growing elderly population, particularly in terms of infrastructure.
A state or country is classified as ageing when more than 14 per cent of its population is aged 65 and above. Malaysia is projected to reach this milestone by 2043, but Perak is expected to achieve it much earlier—by 2030. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM), 14.6 per cent of Perak’s population was already aged 60 and above in 2023.
Furthermore, projections indicate that within the next five years, around 18 per cent of the state’s population will be aged 65 and above.
Cognisant of this demographic shift, Perak’s Housing and Local Government Committee Chairman, Sandrea Ng Shy Ching, stressed the urgent need to enhance infrastructure to support the elderly.
“…we need to evaluate whether existing buildings, public markets, and bus stops have been designed with accessibility, safety, and comfort for the elderly in mind. Conducting audits will help identify weaknesses in current facilities,” she said at the Program Sejahtera Warga Emas Komuniti Mesra Usia recently.
ELDERLY-FRIENDLY RATING SYSTEM
To address these challenges, Ng said the state government is proactively engaging various stakeholders through initiatives like the Program Sejahtera Warga Emas Komuniti Mesra Usia to discuss preparations and strategies for implementation.
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As part of this commitment, the government plans to introduce an Elderly-Friendly Rating System, which will assess infrastructure, public facilities, and housing based on universal design principles, drawing inspiration from the Green Building Index.
“The proposed Elderly-Friendly Rating System will serve as a benchmark to determine whether housing schemes, government buildings, and public spaces—such as restaurants and shopping malls—are safe and accommodating for senior citizens.
“This system will provide a clear and credible reference for the public. For example, elderly individuals and their families can refer to the star rating when choosing a home or a restaurant that truly caters to senior needs,” she explained.
Ng highlighted key criteria for the rating system, including pedestrian-friendly walkways, elevators, ramps, adequate lighting, and comfortable rest areas. Public facilities will be evaluated based on access to public transportation, elderly-friendly restrooms, and sufficient seating.
“In terms of housing, designs should be safe, accessible, and suitable for individuals with limited mobility while fostering a sense of community. From a social perspective, the system should encourage the establishment of senior activity centres, healthcare services, and socially engaging environments.
She emphasised that this rating system will enable local governments to plan cities and public amenities more effectively, while also encouraging housing developers, government agencies, and the private sector to meet elderly-friendly standards.
Ng added that the initiative will promote healthy competition among developers, as projects with higher ratings will gain stronger market appeal and public confidence.
“This initiative will also bring long-term benefits, ensuring that developers and the government remain accountable, promoting compliance with elderly-friendly development principles, and positioning Perak as a pioneer in age-friendly communities—leading the way in creating a truly inclusive and sustainable environment,” she added.
Ng also noted that this initiative aligns with the National Ageing Agenda, which will be a key focus of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) set to be tabled in Parliament this year.
ROLE OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES
Ng emphasised the crucial role of local authorities (PBT) in implementing the Elderly-Friendly Rating System, as they serve as the backbone of local community development.
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“When discussing programmes for senior citizens, we often associate them with the Department of Social Welfare. However, local authorities are equally relevant because they are responsible for enforcing policies at the community level, as well as urban planning and city management.
“There are various issues concerning the elderly community—for example, whether approved housing developments meet their needs and whether public infrastructure and facilities comply with safety and accessibility standards for seniors,” she explained.
She stressed that it is essential for the state government—particularly the State Housing and Local Government Committee—to fully understand the needs of senior citizens, enabling local authorities to plan effectively for the future.
Additionally, she said housing planning tailored to the needs of senior citizens also presents an economic opportunity in the future.
REVIEW OF CARE CENTRE SITE PLANNING GUIDELINES
Meanwhile, Secretary-General of the Malaysian Association of Social Care Professionals and Homes (MASOC Care) Dr Melody Ang Xing Yuen, has called for a review of the Care Centre Site Planning Guidelines issued by the Department of Urban and Rural Planning (PLANMalaysia)—particularly regarding building height restrictions.
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“According to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the maximum building height is limited to two storeys for detached houses, semi-detached houses, and shop lots that are converted into elderly care centres.
“The SOP should allow for the construction of larger and more modern retirement housing and care centres. Therefore, the two-storey height restriction should be reassessed," she said.
Ang also pointed out that while Malaysia has established national standards to address the challenges of an ageing nation—particularly in infrastructure—implementation remains inconsistent and varies among PBT.
“These standards exist at the federal level and are enforced in some local authorities such as Petaling Jaya, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur. However, public awareness of these standards and compliance by developers remain unsatisfactory.
"I strongly recommend that an awareness campaign be launched immediately, especially in states with a high elderly population, such as Perak," she added.
FUKUOKA, JAPAN – A MODEL FOR ELDERLY-FRIENDLY INFRASTRUCTURE
Citing the Fukuoka 100 Project, Ang highlighted how authorities in Fukuoka, Japan, have ensured that all segments of society share a common goal— creating a conducive environment for senior citizens and their caregivers.
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“The authorities in Fukuoka have conducted awareness campaigns across cities, districts, and villages, ensuring the involvement of the entire community.
“In Malaysia, only the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has undertaken a similar initiative. MBPJ, in collaboration with MASOC Care, has organised talks and workshops across Petaling Jaya, engaging communities from all income groups—B40, M40, and T20. Other local authorities should follow MBPJ’s example,” she said.
The Fukuoka 100 Project is built on the ‘kaigo’ concept—a comprehensive elderly care system that encompasses caregiving skills, housing, community-building, and lifestyle support.
"As part of the Fukuoka 100 Project, they leverage technology by developing an application that allows elderly individuals to easily find caregivers near their homes. Additionally, the app features a tracking system that alerts caregivers and family members if an elderly person is at risk of falling," she added.
Translated by Salbiah Said
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