MALAYSIA, Kuala Lumpur, 17 June 2025 — Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim underscored the MADANI Government’s commitment to comprehensive reforms aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of Malaysia’s ageing population during his keynote address at the International Social Wellbeing Conference 2025 today.
Anwar highlighted that Malaysians now enjoy an average life expectancy of 76 years, but the final nine years are often marred by poor health and complex medical conditions. This reality, he noted, drives up healthcare costs for the elderly, necessitating robust measures to ensure they can live with dignity and security.
To address rising living and healthcare costs, the government has implemented initiatives such as a historic minimum wage increase, the largest-ever salary adjustment for civil servants, and a commitment from government-linked investment companies (GLICs) to ensure fair wages. These steps aim to bolster household incomes and alleviate financial pressures.
However, Anwar cautioned that Malaysia must prepare for a workforce shift towards the gig economy. He called for a holistic economic uplift to ensure equitable wealth distribution, spotlighting programs like the SME Digitalisation Grant, the National ESG Industry Framework, and financial assistance from TEKUN and BSN. These initiatives, he said, are pivotal in steering the gig economy towards high-value, innovative sectors.
“The MADANI Economic Framework is not merely about chasing macro growth,” Anwar emphasized. “It is a statement of values—upholding the dignity of our people, fostering compassion, and championing humane principles.”
The Prime Minister’s address reaffirmed the government’s resolve to create a prosperous, inclusive society that prioritizes the welfare of all Malaysians, particularly the elderly.
