PM: Malaysians should have the choice to work past 60, ageing population needs options

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan delivers his officiating remarks at the International Social Wellbeing Conference in Kuala Lumpur on September 29, 2026. — Bernama pic

By Ida Lim

First Published: Tuesday, 29 Sep 2026 12:46 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 — With Malaysia expected to be an aged nation by 2048, the focus should not only be on ensuring sufficient retirement savings but also ensuring people have the choice to work past age 60, the prime minister said today.

In Malaysia, the minimum retirement age for the private sector and the mandatory retirement age for civil servants are both currently at age 60.

In his speech, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said those who want to work after age 60 should be given the choice, but did not say whether there are plans to raise the minimum or mandatory retirement age.

“Raising the floor is only half the work. We must also raise the ceiling by ensuring that longer lives are lived with agency, connection and purpose.

“Those who are capable and wish to continue working beyond 60 should have the opportunity to do so. This is about choice, not compulsion,” he said in his speech at the International Social Wellbeing Conference 2026 here, which was read out on his behalf by Minister of Finance II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

Anwar’s raising the floor remark alludes to his earlier comments in his speech, including having adequate savings and sustainable income for retirement.

Anwar pointed out that allowing work beyond 60 or such age-friendly employment can “retain experience, strengthen organisations and allow people to remain economically active on terms that respect their circumstances.”

Anwar said older people can still give valuable contributions to society, even if these may not appear in economic statistics.

“Experience, judgment and accumulated knowledge remain valuable assets to society,” he said.

He gave examples such as a retired teacher who mentors students, a grandparent supporting a working family, and a community leader who helps strengthen social cohesion.

“We must raise the floor so that every Malaysian can age with dignity and security. We must also raise the ceiling so that longer lives remain years of purpose, contribution and connection. And we must shorten the distance between policy and delivery,” he said in concluding his speech.

Earlier in his speech, Anwar said Malaysians are living longer, and the key question for the country is how to ensure longer lives are lived with dignity, financial security, good health and purpose.

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