The proposal to increase the retirement age for Malaysian civil servants to 65 is under stakeholder consultation, with a study on feasibility underway.
KOTA BHARU: The proposal to raise the retirement age for civil servants to 65 is currently under stakeholder consultation.
Public Service Department (JPA) director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz said the proposal, outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan, calls for a feasibility study.
JPA has held consultations with stakeholders including the Congress of Union of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (CUEPACS) and retirees’ associations.
“Since this is an unusual measure, careful study is needed to ensure any decision benefits all parties,” he told reporters after visiting Kelantan state retirees.
Wan Ahmad Dahlan noted that CUEPACS has expressed both support and opposition to the proposal.
“At this stage, diverse perspectives are being considered so the final decision has positive implications for civil servants and the nation,” he added.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said during the 13MP presentation that the mandatory retirement age would be reviewed in line with Malaysia’s ageing population.
The review will consider financial implications and employment opportunities before any decision is finalised.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said previously proposed raising the retirement age from 60 to 65.
She noted that individuals at this age remain healthy and capable of contributing productively.
The current mandatory retirement age for civil servants is 60, matching the private sector minimum under the Minimum Retirement Age Act 2012.
During his visit, Wan Ahmad Dahlan met retirees including Che Hasdi Musa, 69, who relies on a bed loaned by an NGO since becoming bedridden in March.
“I am very grateful for the help from JPA and for Wan Ahmad Dahlan’s visit,” he said, praising the government’s attention to retirees facing health challenges. – Bernama
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