Kuala lumpur: Senior citizens are expected to make up about 14 per cent of Malaysia's population by 2048, said Public Service Department (JPA) Pensions Division director Datuk Mohd Shahrim Hussin. He stated that to address the impact of an ageing nation, the government has launched the National Ageing Blueprint 2025-2045, which adopts a lifelong approach to prepare Malaysia for demographic changes.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the blueprint emphasises six key areas - economy, employment, education, social protection, health, and long-term care. It serves as JPA's guide in efforts to improve service delivery to pensioners. Mohd Shahrim highlighted the digitalisation of pension processes, data strengthening, and inter-agency cooperation as crucial steps to ensure every pensioner receives benefits quickly and efficiently, aligning with JPA's aspiration as a Leader of Reform and Driver of Change.
Commenting on the MyPesara Carnival and the awards ceremony, Mohd Shahrim noted the initiative reflects JPA's commitment to engaging the pensioner community more holistically through recognition, support, and community involvement. He mentioned that the MyPesara Carnival enables JPA to connect directly with pensioners nationwide, with the event being hosted in different regions each year to ensure all pensioners feel valued.
The MyPesara Awards 2025, held in conjunction with the carnival, is the first of its kind to recognise public sector pensioners who have made a positive impact in fields like Education, Social and Community Service, or Entrepreneurship. At the awards ceremony, Wan Noriah Wan Ramli, 69, founder of Min House Camp, won the main prize in the Social and Community Service Category, taking home RM60,000 in cash. Other notable winners included Dr Abas Mazni Othman, founder of The Plot, who won the Entrepreneurship category, and Professor Emeritus Dr Mohamad Mokhtar Abu Hassan, recognised in the Education Category.
The three-day carnival, which began last Friday, featured various activities promoting active ageing, financial empowerment, and community well-being, in line with the MADANI principle of People-Centred Service.