PAHANG is on the path towards becoming a state with an ageing population and resources must be allocated appropriately.
Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said according to the Population and Housing Census of Malaysia 2020, 6.3% of Pahang’s 1,591,295 population were in the 65 and above age group.
An area is considered as having an ageing population if the percentage of senior citizens aged 65 years and above reaches 7%.
Districts having an ageing population are Cameron Highlands (7.3%), Raub (7.3%), Bentong (7.2%), Bera (7.2%) and Temerloh (7.1%), he added.
“If we look at it according to parliamentary constituencies, six out of 14 have an ageing population.
“These are Kuala Krau (10.1%), Bera (9.8%), Maran (9.7%), Jerantut (8.4%), Bentong (8.1%) and Raub at 7.5%.
“An important thing to note when looking at these numbers is that the allocation of resources for an area must be in line with its population make-up,” Mohd Uzir said during a meeting with the media.
“For example, youth activities should not be held in an area with an ageing population as there will be a mismatch.
“Each choice has an opportunity cost.
“Data is important so that we can use resources efficiently and optimally,” he added.
Data from the census showed that for state constituencies, Pelangai had the highest percentage of ageing population at 13.2%, followed by Guai at 13% and Kuala Sentul at 12.1%.
Mohd Uzir said based on the statistics, half of the 42 state constituencies had an ageing population.
