Sarawak needs to prepare early to address ageing population, says Fatimah

KUCHING, Oct 30 2026: Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Fatimah Abdullah stressed that Sarawak needs to begin preparations early to address demographic shifts and an ageing population through the development of the Sarawak Ageing Blueprint (SAB) 2026–2030.

Caption: Minister Fatimah Abdullah says the state government is not just preparing for the elderly of today, but also for the elderly of the future. Preparations must begin early in life so that future generations are better equipped,

She said preparation for old age should not begin only upon reaching retirement, but should also be cultivated from a young age, specifically regarding health, finances, and housing arrangements.

"We are not just preparing for the elderly of today, but also for the elderly of the future. Preparations must begin early in life so that future generations are better equipped," she said at the opening of a workshop on refining the Terms of Reference for the Sarawak Ageing Council (SAC) here today.

According to her, the blueprint was developed based on a comprehensive study conducted in collaboration with Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak and the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS). 

She said the study aimed to identify the needs and challenges faced by the elderly across Sarawak, including those in urban, rural, and remote areas.

"The study focuses on key areas such as health, economic security, age-friendly environments, lifelong learning, and rights and protection.

Identified challenges include difficulties in accessing healthcare services, financial issues, public facilities that are not senior-friendly, and challenges in utilizing digital technology.

To address these needs, Fatimah said the state government has introduced the "Senior Citizen Health Benefits"— a cashless provision worth RM500 for eligible senior citizens to cover outpatient treatment, health screenings, and dental care at private hospitals and clinics.

She added that caregiving support must also be strengthened through community-based and in-home services, alongside training and assistance for family members responsible for the care of elderly individuals. 

In this regard, she emphasized that the blueprint must be translated into actions and programmes that deliver tangible benefits to the target group.

"This blueprint cannot merely be a document left sitting on a shelf; instead, it must serve as a practical action plan that guides government decision-making and budget planning, ultimately leading to real improvements in the lives of senior citizens," she further explained.