KOTA KINABALU: The vision to make Kota Kinabalu an age-friendly city in Sabah is possible with the involvement of government agencies, healthcare providers, families, businesses and community organisations, said Datuk Julita Majungki.
The Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister said this vision was highlighted at the Malaysian Conference on Healthy Ageing (MCHA) as Malaysia moves towards an ageing population.
Communities need to prepare for the changing demographic landscape, she said in her speech read by Assistant Minister Datuk Rina Jainal at the 11th Malaysian Conference on Healthy Ageing held here.
Julita said healthy ageing is not limited solely to healthcare, but encompasses social inclusion, community support, independence and quality of life.
“An age-friendly city must take into account the needs of older persons, who are able to live with dignity, remain independent and continue to participate meaningfully in society.”
Julita said the changing demographic profile also meant greater attention had to be given to how communities, public spaces and services could better respond to the needs of older persons.
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia’s 2025 population estimates, Malaysians aged 60 and above currently account for about 12.6 per cent of the population, with the figure projected to reach 15 per cent within the next 10 years.
Under Malaysia’s National Policy for Older Persons, reaching the 15 per cent threshold would place Malaysia among ageing nations.
She said this highlighted the importance of preparing communities early, rather than waiting until population ageing became a more immediate challenge.
“The goal is to ensure that people can enjoy longer, healthier and more active lives while remaining connected to their families and communities,” she said. – Wu Vuide
Rina visiting one of the exhibition booths during the programme.
