IPOH: Kampar has the highest proportion of senior citizens in Malaysia, with 12.6% of its population aged 65 and above in 2025, according to theNational Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN).
LPPKN deputy chairman Juwairiya Zulkifli said the figure is higher than the national average of 8% and also exceeds Perak’s overall proportion of 10.2%, making ageing a key demographic issue for the district.
She said the ageing population in Kampar could be attributed to several factors, including improved life expectancy and the district’s demographic composition.
“Kampar has 12.6% of its population aged 65 and above in 2025. This is the highest in Malaysia,” she told reporters after launching the Perak Population seminar held here Tuesday (Aug 18).
She said among the factors include migration of younger residents to major urban centres such as Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang for employment, leaving their parents in Kampar.
“Some senior citizens have also chosen to return to their hometown after retirement to rest and enjoy life in their own community,” she said.
Juwairiya said Perak already recorded the highest proportion of residents aged 65 and above at 10.2%, followed by Kedah at 9.4%, Sarawak at 9.1%, Perlis at 8.5% and Penang at 8.4%.
“Perak is currently experiencing rapid population ageing, but the question is whether our ecosystem, society, communities and policies are ready to support senior citizens.
“This is not only about senior citizens but also our population preparedness as we face a potential shortage of workers and human capital,” she said.
She said many young people were leaving Perak to seek employment in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang, raising concerns over the state’s future workforce as its population ages.
“The state’s population growth was slow, at only about 0.2%, while the proportion of people aged 60 and above had risen from 14.9% in 2024 to about 15.3% in 2025,” she added.
Meanwhile, she said Perak needed to develop a specific care economy policy and establish standardised regulations for senior care centres.
She said Selangor had already introduced a care economy policy, while Perak had yet to establish one.
“At the national level, we have the Strategic Framework and Action Plan 2026-2030, which includes the issue of ageing within existing policies.
“We have the National Senior Citizens Policy and the National Family Policy, but a specific care economy policy has yet to be introduced,” she said.
She also called for greater coordination among local authorities to establish basic standards for senior care centres, noting that regulations currently differed between states, districts and local authorities.
She said the recently tabled Social Workers Act should also be properly implemented at grassroots level to ensure care workers had the necessary qualifications and skills.
“Senior citizens are very vulnerable, just like children. Their needs must be carefully considered.
“If the Act is not properly enforced, the quality of care for senior citizens will be affected,” she said.
She added that the government, private sector and non-governmental organisations needed to work together to strengthen support systems for senior citizens and ensure their wellbeing.
