Kampar leads Malaysia in ageing population: 12.6pc of population aged 65 and above by 2025

IPOH, Aug 18 — Kampar has the highest proportion of older citizens in Malaysia, with 12.6 per cent of its population aged 65 and above in 2025, according to the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN).

According to The Star, LPPKN deputy chairman Juwairiya Zulkifli said the figure surpasses both the national average of 8 per cent and Perak’s overall proportion of 10.2 per cent, underscoring ageing as a major demographic challenge for the district.

She said Kampar’s ageing trend stems from improved life expectancy and demographic shifts, including the migration of younger residents to urban centres such as Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang for work, leaving older parents behind. Some retirees also choose to return to Kampar for a quieter life.

Perak, she noted, already has the highest proportion of residents aged 65 and above nationwide, followed by Kedah, Sarawak, Perlis and Penang. The state’s population growth remains slow at 0.2 per cent, while the share of those aged 60 and above rose from 14.9 per cent in 2024 to 15.3 per cent in 2025.

Juwairiya said the demographic shift raises concerns over Perak’s future workforce and called for a specific care‑economy policy and standardised regulations for senior care centres, noting inconsistencies across states and local authorities. She also stressed the need for proper implementation of the newly tabled Social Workers Act to ensure qualified care workers.

She added that government agencies, the private sector and NGOs must strengthen support systems for senior citizens as Malaysia moves deeper into an ageing‑nation trajectory.