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Ageing without a safety net in Malaysia

Malaysia has developed fast but it’s ageing just as rapidly, and it seems unprepared for this radical demographic shift.

Industrialisation, modern cityscapes and strong economic growth promote an image of a youthful, vigorous Malaysia. But the country is now ageing rapidly, and this sudden transformation seems to have caught many - including the government - by surprise: Despite their country’s development, millions have little or no retirement income and face destitution or dependence in their golden years. What little provision is available was compromised during the Covid pandemic when the government allowed workers to withdraw retirement funds just to survive lockdown. Those who did so can now have almost nothing left in their accounts. Without any universal pension, many older Malaysians rely on their families – but younger relatives are often struggling in a low wage economy and find it increasingly difficult to provide for anyone but themselves. As Claire Bolderson reports, Malaysians may have to change their attitudes to retirement and to saving if they are to avoid the spectre of serious poverty in old age.

Producer: Mike Gallagher
Editor: Penny Murphy
Studio Manager: Hal Haines
Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman

(Image: 71 year old Abu Bakar from Kuala Lumpur has no savings so works seven days a week to make ends meet. Credit: Claire Bolderson/Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ)

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27 minutes

Last on

Sun 22 Sep 2024 15:06GMT

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  • Tue 17 Sep 2024 01:32GMT
  • Tue 17 Sep 2024 08:32GMT
  • Tue 17 Sep 2024 19:06GMT
  • Sat 21 Sep 2024 22:32GMT
  • Sun 22 Sep 2024 11:32GMT
  • Sun 22 Sep 2024 15:06GMT

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