A White Paper on the National Ageing Blueprint 2025-2045 will be tabled in Parliament this year to prepare Malaysia for its aged nation status by 2048.
KUALA LUMPUR: A White Paper on the National Ageing Blueprint (NAB) 2025-2045 will be tabled in Parliament this year.
Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said this aims to ensure the country is prepared to face its aged nation status by 2048.
He stated the White Paper will coordinate strategic adaptations across federal, ministerial and state government levels.
It also seeks to secure support from all stakeholders for the national strategy.
The NAB outlines five key strategic thrusts for national preparation.
These are macroeconomics and fiscal policy, education, skills and workforce, lifelong health, social protection and long-term care.
“The primary focus of the NAB has also been translated into specific strategies and initiatives under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP),” he said in the Dewan Rakyat.
He listed strategies including prioritising national productivity and preparing for an aged nation.
Labour market reforms will also increase participation of older workers, women and persons with disabilities.
Akmal Nasrullah was responding to a question on strategies to address the declining fertility rate’s impact.
He cited Department of Statistics Malaysia projections showing a significant decline.
The national fertility rate is expected to drop to 0.7 children per woman by 2050.
This is a downward trend from 1.6 children in 2024.
He said this decline will directly impact the shrinking working-age population ratio.
It will also affect the country’s future economic growth potential.
Engagement sessions with state governments were held during the NAB drafting.
This was to ensure understanding of national readiness and strengthen grassroots-level preparations.
In response to a supplementary question on regional development, he highlighted high-impact industries.
The government is examining potentials like Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage in the East Coast.
This aims to leverage the region’s larger youth population for balanced development.
