PETALING JAYA: Fewer work hours, work from home and project-based roles are being considered to allow Malaysians to work past the retirement age if they are willing and healthy.
These are among the proposals of flexible working arrangements being mulled by the Human Resources Ministry in view of Malaysia’s ageing population.
“Flexible work arrangements refer to alternative ways of working that provide greater flexibility and adaptability for employees.
“These are particularly useful for senior citizens who may not wish or are unable to continue in traditional full-time roles but are still healthy and willing to contribute,” the ministry told The Star.
It was asked to comment on its move to consider flexible work arrangements or re-employment opportunities for Malaysians who reached the retirement age of 60 if they were up for it.
Such a move could help reduce the financial burden on older individuals and allow them to stay active and productive, the ministry had said.
Explaining further, the ministry said it is studying to enable senior citizens to work remotely, reducing the need to travel to their jobs, which could be physically taxing.
“This is particularly for roles involving administrative, advisory or digital tasks,” it added.
Another option being considered is reduced work hours or part-time work to allow older employees to work fewer hours per week, usually under 35 hours per week.
“This could help senior citizens to follow a lighter schedule while remaining engaged,” the ministry said.
It added that flexible start and end times for work could also give employees the option to begin and finish work at different times.
Aside from that, project-based, gig or seasonal work may also offer short-term roles or specific projects to seniors instead of a permanent position.
The ministry was considering such examples of flexible work arrangements for senior citizens in line with Sections 60P and 60Q of the Employment Act 1955.
Under these sections, employees may request variations to their working hours, days or work location, subject to their employment contract and the employer’s agreement.
It is projected that the number of people aged 80 and above will increase dramatically by 2060 in Malaysia, based on the Statistics Department’s Population Projections report from 2020 to 2060.
By 2060, the number of people aged 80 and above is expected to rise from about 380,000 this year to 1.67 million – roughly equivalent to the current population of Pahang.
People in Malaysia aged 65 and above are also expected to make up 18.3% of society, instead of the current 8%.
