As Malaysia moves closer to becoming an ageing society, the conversation around senior care is shifting beyond healthcare and basic support towards how older Malaysians can continue living actively, independently and with purpose.
The shift comes as the country’s older population continues to grow. Department of Statistics Malaysia estimates show that Malaysians aged 65 and above accounted for 8.4% of the population in 2026, up from 8% in 2025.
Against this backdrop, Sunway Sanctuary General Manager Doris Chin is calling for a more holistic approach to senior living — one that takes into account not only physical health, but also mental and emotional wellbeing, social connection, recreation, learning and a continued sense of purpose.
“For us, holistic senior living is about supporting the different dimensions of wellbeing — from physical fitness and social connections to mental stimulation, recreation and continued learning,” Chin said, while emphasising that the private sector can play a meaningful role by integrating healthcare, wellness, hospitality and community to help seniors live actively, independently and with purpose.
For Budget 2027, Chin highlighted that several policy measures could help strengthen Malaysia’s senior living ecosystem and encourage greater private-sector participation.
More Flexible Retirement And Long-Stay Visa
Chin said Malaysia could consider a more retirement-friendly visa pathway tailored to the needs of older international residents.
A more flexible framework, she explained, could make Malaysia more attractive to healthy retirees looking for a safe, affordable destination with strong access to healthcare.
The current Malaysia My Second Home framework offers five-, 15- and 20-year categories, while also requiring property ownership with minimum values ranging from RM600,000 to RM2 million, depending on the category.
Incentives For Senior Living Investment
Chin also called for tax incentives or investment allowances for purpose-built senior living, rehabilitation, wellness and long-term care facilities, particularly projects integrated with healthcare infrastructure.
Such measures could help encourage more private investment in facilities designed specifically for Malaysia’s ageing population.
Build Age-Friendly Cities, Not Just Facilities
Beyond individual senior living developments, Chin said government and private-sector collaboration should focus on creating broader age-friendly environments.
This could include more walkable neighbourhoods, accessible public transport, safer pedestrian infrastructure, public spaces, better healthcare access and community activities suited to older residents.
Strengthen The Senior-Care Workforce
Workforce development is another area Chin hopes Budget 2027 will address.
She called for clearer pathways for the training, certification and employment of caregivers and senior-care professionals, alongside mechanisms that allow operators to address specialised workforce shortages.
A stronger talent pipeline, she said, will become increasingly important as demand for professional senior care and assisted living services grows alongside Malaysia’s ageing population.
Overall, Chin believes Budget 2027 presents an opportunity to turn the country’s demographic shift into a catalyst for investment, job creation and a stronger senior living industry — positioning Malaysia not just as a nation preparing for an ageing society, but as a regional destination for quality senior living.
