KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu is well-positioned to become Sabah’s premier age-friendly city by building on its existing healthcare, infrastructure, and social networks, said State Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Majungki.
In a speech read by Assistant Minister Datuk Rina Jainal at the 11th Malaysian Conference on Healthy Ageing, Julita called for a whole-of-community effort involving government agencies, businesses, healthcare providers, and families to prepare for demographic shifts.
"Healthy ageing must go beyond healthcare to encompass social inclusion, independence, and dignity," she said, stressing the need to adapt public spaces and services for senior citizens.
She cited Department of Statistics estimates showing Malaysians aged 60 and above currently account for 12.6% of the population, a figure projected to hit the 15% "ageing nation" threshold within a decade.
In a separate event in Sandakan, Julita emphasised that Sabah’s development and wellbeing programs must reach beyond Kota Kinabalu.
Officiating the District-level Persona Wanita Carnival, she urged state agencies to step up rural outreach so vulnerable groups—including single mothers, low-income families, caregivers, and persons with disabilities—are not left behind.
