The data obtained from the Department of Statistics Malaysia shows that the population aged 60 and over will increase from 14.87% in 2020 to 26.2% by the year 2040.
Penang is the 2nd largest state with a large population aged 60 and over compared to other states in Malaysia. To prepare for the increase, MBPP and the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) recently signed a public-private partnership for three years together with a consultant, the Malaysian Healthy Aging Society (MHAS) to introduce the Age Friendly City Project.
This project will adopt WHO guidelines and the main goal of this project is to make Penang an age-friendly city by providing facilities and services that meet the needs of residents of various ages and abilities. MBPP’s has submitted the application to become a WHO Age-Friendly City in April 2023.
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We are proud to announce the successful completion of the AFCPI Evaluation Report (2022–2025) — a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment led by the City Council of Penang Island (CCPI) and the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC), with technical support from the Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society (MHAS).
This milestone marks a significant achievement in Penang Island’s journey towards becoming Malaysia’s first city to complete the full WHO Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC) cycle.
The evaluation highlights:
• Significant improvements in outdoor spaces, transport, housing, public participation, healthcare, and digital inclusion.
• Stakeholders engaged, including government agencies, NGOs, community groups, youth, older adults, and persons with disabilities.
• Community activities and health programmes that promote active ageing and social inclusion.
• Digital innovation, including the PEARL App for communication, accessibility, and feedback.
• A clear roadmap that addresses challenges, including resource gaps, the digital divide, public awareness, and infrastructure needs.
Accompanied by a visually engaging infographic, this report outlines key achievements, challenges, and forward strategies that position Penang Island as a regional model for healthy and inclusive ageing.
This accomplishment reflects Penang’s commitment to creating a city where older persons can live, participate, and thrive with dignity — setting new standards for age-friendly urban development across Malaysia and ASEAN.
The Malaysia Urban Forum (MUF) is a national-level forum that invited MHAS as a panellist in forum 6: Overall
Event Date: 5th–8th October 2024;
Dialogue Date (Roundtable): 7th October;
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM ;
Venue: Sri Pinang Hall.
Prof Dr Prem Kumar, of the MHAS Age Friendly City Working Committee presented on: Creating age-friendly and intergenerational spaces within urban environments.
The baseline survey, conducted from March to June 2023, collected data from 1,501 adults residing on Penang Island.
It covered demoFigureic and social characteristics and the availability and perceived importance of various domains outlined by the WHO for an Age-Friendly City. Most respondents were from the Timur Laut district division, predominantly of Chinese ethnicity, with most falling within the 61-70 age group.
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